Procurement and Contracts Lawyer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Harlow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Employee assistance programme

Development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Harlow Council is seeking a qualified solicitor or equivalent to join its Legal Services team. The role covers public procurement, commercial contracts, governance and company matters, with a focus on delivering practical, risk-aware advice to officers, senior managers and members.

The successful candidate will draft and review contracts, advise on complex projects, and help the council achieve its objectives while adhering to public sector standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX legal professional.
• Experience advising on procurement, contracts, governance in local government or public sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice on public procurement, commercial contracts, governance and company matters
• Support officers, senior managers and members in delivering complex projects
• Manage legal risks while enabling the council to achieve its objectives

Skills

Public procurement knowledge

Governance

Commercial contracts

Legal risk management

Education

Solicitor/Barrister/CILEX qualified

Job description

The post sits in the Legal Services team at Harlow Council, advising officers, senior managers and members on their projects. Most of the work covers public procurement, commercial contracts, governance and company matters, with practical advice on managing legal risk. Most full-time staff attend the office four days a week under the council's Dynamic Working approach. Applicants must be a qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX legal professional.

What the job involves

• Provide high-quality legal advice on public procurement, commercial contracts, governance and company matters
• Support officers, senior managers and members in delivering complex projects
• Manage legal risks while enabling the council to achieve its objectives

What's required

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX legal professional

Experience

• Advising on procurement, commercial contract and governance matters in local government, the wider public sector or private practice
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a range of commercial contracts and related legal documents

Skills & knowledge

• Sound understanding of public procurement legislation
• Applying legal principles in a practical and proportionate way
• Collaborative approach

Other

• Enthusiasm for public sector work and practical, solution-focused advice
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services
• Desire to develop expertise and contribute to a modern local authority

What's offered

• Pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee assistance programme
• Development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements