Lawyer (Contracts)

SAFE Consulting Group; Cirencester; Hybrid; GBP 51,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a leading council in the Cotswold District as a Contracts Lawyer. You will provide essential legal services, ensuring compliance and supporting council operations. Enjoy flexible working arrangements in a beautiful area, contributing to community-focused initiatives.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

27 days paid annual leave

Health cash plan

Contributory local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Enhanced sickness cover

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in Contracts, Procurement, and Local Government.
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal services to multiple councils.
• Advise on legal matters and draft contracts.

Skills

Time Management

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive

Job description

£50,788 per annum pro rata, 22.5 hours per week

Locations: Cirencester/Witney or Coleford

Proud, passionate, ambitious - it couldn't be a more exciting time to work for Cotswold District Council. We're searching for the very best people to join us.

The Cotswold District is a great place, and we are rightly proud of our businesses, communities, and residents. We're busy recreating a council that's proactive and responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be 'fleet of foot' and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.

The Council has an ambitious Council Plan focused on important priorities including climate action, strong local communities, and a vibrant district economy.

About the role

You are an experienced Contracts Lawyer, capable of working independently to provide high-quality legal services to Cotswold, Forest of Dean, and West Oxfordshire District Councils.

With expertise in contract law, you will advise Council Officers and Members on legal matters, ensuring decisions are lawful and robust. You will handle casework with minimal supervision, draft and review contracts, provide legal reports, and support committees as needed. Your ability to interpret legislation, offer practical solutions, and mentor junior staff will contribute to the effective operation of the Councils.

Enjoying the natural beauty of the area, with rolling hills and England’s largest area of outstanding natural beauty, you will have this right on your doorstep. Our agile working ethos means you will have flexible options for your work environment.

You will need

• Fully qualified Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive
• Evidence of and commitment to Continuous Professional Development
• 3-5 years' experience in Contracts, Procurement, and Local Government
• Experience of time management and task prioritisation to meet deadlines
• Experience working as part of a team to produce high-quality work
• Good interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships within and outside the Council

Special Conditions

• Ability to travel and use a car for work purposes
• BPSS clearance
• Potential requirement to work at other locations; the Council supports agile working, including home working and flexitime
• Expected to work reasonable additional hours as needed

For more information, please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office working
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro-rata for part-time), increasing to 30 days after five years
• Two volunteering days per year
• Health cash plan for health, dental, and eye care
• Contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme, 24/7
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice electric car lease scheme
• Enhanced sickness cover

Terms and conditions apply.

To apply, click "apply now" on this page to complete the application form and supporting statement, including your skills, knowledge, qualifications, and experience. Please tell us why you want to work for Cotswold District Council and what you value. Ensure your application is complete, as CVs alone will not be considered unless shortlisted.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those of different genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities. We are a Disability Confident scheme employer and guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria—please mention this in your cover letter or a separate email.

Our organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups. Successful candidates will undergo a pre-employment medical, reference checks, identity verification, and criminal record checks where applicable.