Associate/Sr Associate-Procurement & Public Sector - Cardiff

Chadwick Nott; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Chadwick Nott in Cardiff is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Corporate Commercial team, focusing on procurement and public sector work. You will advise clients across the public, private and third sectors and handle a range of contracts and framework agreements.

The role offers hybrid flexibility, a clear path to progression, and exposure to high-quality matters within a leading national firm.

Qualifications

• 3–6+ years PQE in corporate or procurement law.
• Experience in public procurement and public sector projects.
• Strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage your own matters with appropriate supervision.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across teams.
• Interest in developing a procurement/public sector practice.
• Public sector experience welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Advise on public procurement law and tender processes.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial contracts.
• Support public sector projects including regeneration and infrastructure.
• Advise on contract management, variations, risk allocation and termination.
• Work with colleagues across corporate, property, construction, regulatory and disputes.
• Support business development for procurement and public sector offering.
• Build strong client relationships with clear, practical advice.

Skills

Procurement law

Public sector contracts

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Commercial contracts

Regulatory awareness

Client relationship

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate - Procurement & Public Sector - Cardiff - 3-6+ Years PQE

Location: Cardiff

Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)

Salary: £55,000 to £65,000 (DOE)

A leading national law firm is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Corporate Commercial team in Cardiff, focusing on procurement and public sector commercial contracts and projects. This is an excellent opportunity to work on varied, high quality matters and play a key role in developing a growing practice area.

The Role

You’ll work closely with partners and senior lawyers across Corporate Commercial and multi disciplinary teams, advising clients across the public, private and third sectors. Your work is likely to include:

• Advising on public procurement law and procedure, including strategy, tender documentation, evaluation, award processes and procurement challenges
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts (services agreements, framework agreements, outsourcing contracts, collaboration agreements, grant agreements, supply arrangements)
• Supporting clients on public sector projects including regeneration, service delivery, technology, infrastructure and partnership arrangements
• Advising on contract management, variations, extensions, risk allocation and termination
• Working with colleagues across corporate, property, construction, regulatory and disputes
• Supporting business development activity and helping grow the procurement and public sector offering
• Building strong client relationships and delivering clear, practical, commercially focused advice

Candidate Requirements

This role is suited to a technically strong, commercially aware solicitor with:

• Experience in commercial contracts, procurement, public sector projects or a related area
• Understanding of public procurement principles and the legal framework in England or Wales
• Strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills
• Confidence managing your own matters with appropriate supervision
• A practical, solutions focused approach
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly
• Interest in developing a profile in procurement and public sector work
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to work across teams

Public sector experience is particularly welcome, though candidates with strong commercial contracts experience and interest in procurement will also be considered.

The Opportunity

This is a key appointment offering genuine scope for progression. You’ll join an established, supportive Corporate Commercial team with access to high quality work, direct client contact and the opportunity to develop as a specialist in a growing practice area. The role is primarily Cardiff based with flexibility in line with the firm's working arrangements.

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other personal characteristic. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.

*At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications of all qualified candidates regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, disability, culture or anything other personal characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity in the workplace. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.*