Legal Advisor - Contracts

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Thrive programme

Gymflex scheme

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced solicitor to join its in-house legal team, supporting growth and managing legal risk across construction and engineering projects. The role involves advising on complex contracting, reviewing procurement documents, and collaborating with internal teams and external clients.

The successful candidate will be England & Wales qualified with post-qualification experience in the sector, ideally with in-house exposure at an engineering consultancy or contractor.

Qualifications

• Experience reviewing and advising on contractual matters in engineering, construction or advisory sectors.
• In-house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, commercially focused legal advice embedding risk management and compliance.
• Review and negotiate contractual documentation including consultancy agreements, project contracts, JV and teaming agreements, framework agreements, deeds of novation, NDAs and sub-consultancy agreements.
• Guide on tender processes and bid documentation; advise on legal matters as projects are delivered.
• Collaborate with internal bid teams, project teams, commercial managers and operations staff; report on relevant legal developments.

Skills

Contract review

Legal advisory

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Education

Solicitor qualification England & Wales

Job description

Job Description

What if you could shape a career as unique as you?

At WSP, you can always find opportunities to grow and do what matters to you. Make the most of our global reach to discover new challenges and chances to work with diverse, talented individuals who will help you expand your horizons.

WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms providing strategic advisory, engineering and design services to clients. WSP UK is currently recruiting an experienced solicitor to join it's thriving in-house legal team.

Within this role you will work in partnership with WSP’s business to support its growth, while managing legal and commercial risk. An ability to understand and advise on a wide range of construction and engineering related matters, including major procurements and projects involving complex contracting arrangements is key to this role. Experience of working in the sectors would be advantageous.

The role requires a self-starter who is confident working with senior internal stakeholders as well as external parties including clients, sub-consultants and their representatives.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Supporting WSP's growth by providing timely and commercially focussed legal advice while embedding a culture of contractual risk management and compliance.
• Reviewing and negotiating contractual documentation including consultancy agreements, project contracts, joint venture and teaming agreements, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non-disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and sub-consultancy agreements
• Assisting with corporate governance in relation to contract reviews and approvals to bid for work or enter into contracts
• Providing guidance on tender processes and bid documentation
• Advising the business on legal and contractual matters as projects are delivered
• Liaising with internal bid teams and project teams, commercial managers and other operational, technical and support staff.
• Updating the business on relevant legal developments, delivering legal training
• Contributing to the legal ‘know-how’ within the Legal team
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and participating in a supportive and professional team environment

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

The successful candidate will be a solicitor qualified in England & Wales, with relevant post qualification experience of reviewing and advising on contractual matters within the engineering, construction or advisory sector. Experience of being in-house at an engineering consultancy or a contractor is preferable. Experience of relevant standard form contracts and complex contracting arrangements is also desirable.

In addition to the above, the successful candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Construction sector experience or interest
• Confidently manages day-to-day tasks under supervision, contributing their developing expertise to the legal team.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral
• The ability to work without supervision under pressure and meet deadlines and to seek assistance / advice when required
• A proactive approach with the ability to prioritise between competing business demands
• Strong inter-personal and collaborative skills
• P revious in-house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferred.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself.

With us, you can.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.