Procurement Lawyer

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Discretionary bonus

Pension

Private medical insurance

Dental plan

Life assurance

25 days’ annual leave

Cycle to Work

Employee wellbeing support

Job summary

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is seeking an advisory Procurement Lawyer in Manchester. This hybrid role focuses on non-contentious procurement work for public authorities and utilities, covering strategy, documentation, and risk management.

You will join a market-leading practice with opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects and collaborate with colleagues across procurement disputes. 1–5 years PQE is typical; strong drafting and research skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent).
• Experience of public procurement and/or utilities procurement law.
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Clear communicator with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team.
• Proactive approach to managing workload and delivering high-quality work.
• Strong client-service ethos, commercial awareness and willingness to contribute to the continued success of the team.

Responsibilities

• Advising public authorities, utilities and contracting partners on procurement matters, including direct awards, contract modifications and procurement strategy.
• Drafting and reviewing procurement documentation, including notices, selection questionnaires, invitations to tender and related contractual documentation.
• Supporting clients in the design and delivery of procurement processes, identifying and resolving legal and commercial issues as they arise.
• Assisting bidders throughout procurement exercises, including tender submissions and procurement-related queries.
• Working alongside disputes colleagues to support procurement challenges, including assisting with claim assessment and preparation of key documents.
• Contributing procurement input to multi-disciplinary projects across IT, outsourcing, transport, utilities, construction, real estate and defence.
• Building client relationships through day-to-day matters and supporting business development activity appropriate to your level, including updates, articles, training and networking.
• Taking ownership of your development, building technical expertise and increasing responsibility as your experience grows.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Client service

Job description

Procurement Lawyer (Advisory)

Location: Manchester (hybrid working)

Salary: £60,000 to £85,000 (dependent on experience)

Experience: 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent)

If you’re an advisory procurement lawyer who wants to build genuine specialist expertise, work on high-value, innovative projects, and be part of a collaborative team with an excellent reputation, this is a strong opportunity in Manchester.

You’ll join a market-leading public procurement practice advising public authorities, utilities and contracting partners across a broad range of sectors. The work is varied and often high profile, with the chance to take on increasing responsibility as you develop, supported by experienced colleagues and a team culture that values quality, learning and doing things properly.

This is a non-contentious procurement role focused on helping clients design and deliver procurement processes, manage risk, and navigate complex regulatory requirements. You’ll also work closely with colleagues who specialise in procurement disputes, contributing technical and strategic input when challenges arise.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Advising public authorities, utilities and contracting partners on procurement matters, including direct awards, contract modifications and procurement strategy
• Drafting and reviewing procurement documentation, including notices, selection questionnaires, invitations to tender and related contractual documentation
• Supporting clients in the design and delivery of procurement processes, identifying and resolving legal and commercial issues as they arise
• Assisting bidders throughout procurement exercises, including tender submissions and procurement-related queries
• Working alongside disputes colleagues to support procurement challenges, including assisting with claim assessment and preparation of key documents
• Contributing procurement input to multi-disciplinary projects across areas such as IT, outsourcing, transport, utilities, construction, real estate and defence
• Building client relationships through day-to-day matters and supporting business development activity appropriate to your level, including updates, articles, training and networking
• Taking ownership of your development, building technical expertise and increasing responsibility as your experience grows

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified lawyer with around 1 to 5 years’ PQE (or equivalent)
• Experience of, or genuine interest in, public procurement and/or utilities procurement law gained in a regional, national or international law firm
• Strong legal research, drafting and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Clear communicator with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team
• Proactive approach to managing workload and delivering high-quality work
• Strong client-service ethos, commercial awareness and willingness to contribute to the continued success of the team

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working (typically 2 days from home per week, depending on role and location)
• Competitive financial package, including discretionary bonus (performance dependent)
• Pension with matched employer contributions (up to 5%)
• Private medical insurance, with options to upgrade and add family cover
• Dental plan and access to health screening options
• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection cover
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 27 with service, plus the option to buy or sell up to one week per year
• Sabbatical leave options (subject to eligibility)
• Health and wellbeing support, including 24/7 employee assistance programme and counselling
• Wellbeing subsidy towards gym, sports membership or wellbeing apps
• Cycle to Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loan
• CSR day for volunteering (1 day per year) and payroll giving scheme
• Discounts and rewards portal, plus peer and manager recognition schemes

Working Arrangements

Full-time, permanent role based in Manchester, with hybrid working typically 2 days from home per week (depending on role and location).

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. We will always obtain your express permission before sharing your details with our client.