Principal Commercial Lawyer

Venn Group - Birmingham; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional legal services organization in Leeds is seeking a Principal Lawyer to lead the Procurement and Commercial function. The role involves managing a small team while providing senior legal advice on high-value, complex public procurements. Ideal candidates must be qualified solicitors with extensive experience in public sector procurement and strong negotiation skills. The organization offers a competitive salary and a robust benefits package, including hybrid working and generous annual leave.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid and flexible working

Free bus and rail travel across West Yorkshire

Local Government Pension Scheme

Funded professional development

Three paid volunteering days

Wellbeing support including counselling services

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in public sector procurement.
• Track record advising on high value and complex procurements and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Procurement and Commercial function.
• Manage a team of lawyers and legal officers.
• Ensure statutory compliance and provide practical solutions.
• Contribute to wider commercial strategy.

Skills

Public procurement regulations knowledge

Commercial contract law expertise

Drafting and negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Fellow

Job description

Principal Lawyer, Procurement and Commercial

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced procurement and commercial lawyer to take a senior leadership role within a high-performing legal team. This role sits within a large, collaborative legal, governance and compliance service working at the heart of major regional programmes. The organisation is delivering a wide range of infrastructure, transport, regeneration, digital and skills projects that are shaping the future of the region.

The Role

You will lead the Procurement and Commercial function, managing a small team of lawyers and legal officers while providing senior advice on high value and complex public procurements. The work includes drafting, negotiating and interpreting commercial contracts across construction, infrastructure, IT, regeneration, public transport and consultancy arrangements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Taking the strategic lead on major procurements and commercial contract negotiations.
• Ensuring statutory compliance and providing clear, practical solutions on procurement, contract law and risk management.
• Working closely with senior officers, directors and external partners.
• Leading, developing and motivating the team to deliver a proactive, high-quality legal service.
• Contributing to wider commercial strategy and supporting the implementation of major programmes and projects.

About You

You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Fellow with significant post-qualification experience. Experience in public sector procurement is essential, along with a strong track record of advising on high value and complex procurements and commercial contracts.

You will bring:

• Substantial knowledge of public procurement regulations and commercial contract law.
• Experience shaping or leading a legal function.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• The ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and navigate politically sensitive environments.

Why This Role Stands Out

Alongside a competitive salary, the organisation offers a strong benefits package, including:

• Hybrid and flexible working, with a generous flexi-time scheme.
• 28 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
• Free bus and rail travel across West Yorkshire (Zones 1–5).
• A highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Funded professional development and regular training.
• Three paid volunteering days each year.
• Wellbeing support, including counselling services.
• Modern offices in a prime central Leeds location, two minutes from the train station.