Commercial Contract Specialist/Legal and Commercial Advisor (Construction)

Coopers Fire; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A fire protection solutions company based in Waterlooville is seeking a professional to manage and negotiate contracts in a construction setting. The ideal candidate should have experience in contract terms negotiation and a strong understanding of construction contracts. Responsibilities include providing guidance on contractual obligations and managing commercial risks. The company offers a competitive salary, employee benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary – available upon request

Ample free onsite parking

Early finish and dress-down Fridays

Above statutory Holiday allowance

Company social events

Employee Assistance Programme

Eyecare vouchers

Cycle to work scheme

Friendly and supportive environment

Qualifications

• Experience reviewing and negotiating contract terms.
• Understanding of payment processes and contractual notices.
• Knowledge of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate all forms of contracts, orders, and warranties.
• Provide clear risk summaries and guidance to the sales team.
• Work with Project Managers to prepare and issue compliant contractual notices.

Skills

Experience in a construction contracting environment

Strong understanding of construction contracts (NEC, JCT, bespoke)

Strong communication and negotiation skills

High attention to detail and analytical capability

Education

Degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or similar

Professional accreditation (RICS, CICES, CIOB)

Tools

Contract software

Job description

Coopers Fire specialises in the design, manufacture, installation, and servicing of cutting‑edge and customised Smoke and Fire Curtains for various buildings. Our primary mission is to save lives by providing high‑quality and innovative products while promoting effective fire protection solutions.

Every single day, we dedicate ourselves to creating an environment where our colleagues can thrive, work diligently, excel, and have fun in the process. Our core values, which we deeply believe in, are Integrity, Pride and Passion, Teamship, and Pioneering. We genuinely derive joy from witnessing individuals perform at their best and relish their workday experiences. We prioritise the development and support of our colleagues, foster an environment that encourages and values diverse opinions, challenge conventional norms, and consistently collaborate to lead the market through innovative approaches, all in the pursuit of safeguarding lives.

The role is responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and administering all contractual documentation received by the company as a sub‑contractor. This includes all types of contracts, purchase orders, terms and conditions and collateral warranties.

The postholder will support both the sales team and the project delivery teams to ensure contractual compliance, effective notice management, and proactive risk mitigation. A key focus is protecting the company’s commercial interests, ensuring compliance with the Construction Act, and minimising legal and financial exposure.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Contract / Sales Support:

• Review and negotiate all forms of contracts, orders, and collateral warranties.

• Provide clear risk summaries and guidance to the sales team.

• Identify onerous clauses and propose amendments.

• Ensure project teams understand contract obligations.

Post-Contract Support:

• Work with Project Managers to prepare and issue compliant contractual notices.

• Maintain a log of notice requirements and deadlines.

• Provide commercial guidance and contract interpretation.

Contract Risk Management:

• Identify and document commercial risks.

• Support mitigation actions across all projects.

• Maintain templates, checklists, and commercial processes.

General Commercial & Legal Compliance:

• Liaise with external legal advisors when necessary.

• Deliver training on contractual awareness.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a construction contracting environment.

• Strong understanding of construction contracts (NEC, JCT, bespoke).

• Knowledge of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and subsequent amendments.

• Experience reviewing and negotiating contract terms.

• Understanding of payment processes and contractual notices.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to multitask.

• High attention to detail and analytical capability.

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree in Law, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or similar.

• Professional accreditation (RICS, CICES, CIOB).

• Experience in a specialist sub‑contractor environment.

• Awareness of dispute resolution processes.

• Knowledge of commercial reporting or contract software.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and accountable.

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Highly organised and systematic.

• Calm under pressure and proactive.

• Able to promote commercial awareness across teams.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary – available upon request

• Ample free onsite parking

• Early finish and dress-down Fridays

• Above statutory Holiday allowance plus able to buy additional holiday

• Company social events

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Eyecare vouchers

• Cycle to work scheme

• Friendly and supportive environment