Principal Lawyer, Procurement and Commercial

Venn Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Lawyer for Procurement and Commercial. This senior leadership role involves managing a team and providing strategic advice on high-value public procurement and commercial contracts. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of public sector procurement, excellent drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to work with senior stakeholders. This position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits including hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Salary of £56,481 with progression opportunities

Hybrid and flexible working

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free bus and rail travel

Local Government Pension Scheme

Funded professional development

Three paid volunteering days

Wellbeing support

Modern office in central Leeds

Qualifications

• Experience in public sector procurement.
• Experience advising on high-value commercial contracts.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Procurement and Commercial function.
• Manage a team of lawyers and legal officers.
• Provide senior advice on complex public procurements.
• Draft, negotiate and interpret commercial contracts.
• Ensure statutory compliance and provide practical solutions.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Contract negotiation

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

• 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

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX Fellow
• Experience in public sector procurement
• Experience advising on high value commercial contracts
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• The ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders

Package

• Salary is £56,481, with a pay award pending and scope to progress to £65,116
• 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.