Senior Associate - Projects (PFI/PPP)

DAC Beachcroft; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working opportunities

Job summary

A leading law firm in Bristol is seeking an ambitious Senior Associate to join its market-leading infrastructure and projects team. This position involves advising both public and private sector clients on complex PFI/PPP contracts, with a strong emphasis on collaborative work within a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in commercial contracts, particularly in public sector projects. The firm values flexibility and encourages a supportive growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE in commercial contracts with experience in PFI and PPP.
• Experience advising on operational management of PFI/PPP projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide and manage advice on structuring infrastructure projects.
• Support operational contract management of existing PFI/PPPs.
• Advise on the expiry and hand-back of PFI contracts.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on infrastructure projects.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development.
• Participate in training initiatives for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Commercial contracts

Public sector infrastructure projects

PFI and PPP frameworks

Strong technical skills

Inter-personal skills

Independent leadership

Job description

Department: Health Care and Public Law - Bristol

Location: Bristol

Description

DACB has an opening for an ambitious Senior Associate to join its market-leading infrastructure and projects team to advise both public and private sector clients on high profile and complex infrastructure contracts, including PFI/PPP and related services contracts. Construction law or project finance experience is a benefit but not essential.

Working as part of a national, multi-disciplinary team, you will provide practical and commercial legal advice on a broad range of agreements across a range of sectors, including health, education, transport, energy, water/environment and regeneration.

This role is ideal for a lawyer with some experience in PFI/PPP projects and other national PPP programmes (e.g. NHS LIFT, Building Schools for the Future, Welsh Government Schools MIM projects) and looking to take on a varied mix of more complex contract work.

It is a fantastic opportunity to work on significant infrastructure projects at national and regional levels and be part a collaborative and supportive team with a focus on growth.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of the team, you will:

• Provide and manage advice on the structuring and delivery of a range of infrastructure projects and complex commercial agreements to both public and private sector clients;
• Support our clients with the operational contract management of existing PFI/PPPs and their sub-contracts (including variations, refinancings, performance issues, contract interpretation, etc. but other than pure construction contracts);
• Advise and support clients on the expiry and hand-back of PFI contracts, providing practical legal support – in line with NISTA and other relevant guidance - on the contractual obligations on hand-back and future service provision;
• Work collaboratively across our multi-disciplinary Infrastructure and Projects team (colleagues from real estate, construction, dispute resolution, etc.) to support clients on infrastructure projects;
• Play an active role in managing client relationships, with a real opportunity to build relationships and develop your own practice;
• Take part in business development and contribute to the growth of the team;
• Contribute to training initiatives (both internally and externally);

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• ~5+ years' PQE in commercial contracts with some experience in public sector infrastructure projects, working on PFI and PPP and similar long-term, complex contractual frameworks.
• Some experience of advising on the operational management of PFI/PPP project and supporting clients in preparing for PFI/PPP expiry;
• Ability to provide practical and commercial legal advice that is delivery focussed;
• Demonstrable experience working collaboratively across muti-disciplinary, cross-office teams;
• Ability to operate independently, lead on matters and liaise/build relationships with clients;
• Strong technical and inter-personal skills.

We are happy to talk flexible working with our Flex Forward scheme. We would encourage you to talk to us about our approach to flexible working during the hiring process if you would like to explore this further.

Note for Recruitment Agencies

DAC Beachcroft manages all vacancies via our in-house recruitment teams, prioritising direct sourcing and referrals. When external support is required, roles are released to selected agencies on our Preferred Supplier List (PSL). Speculative CVs sent to any DAC Beachcroft employee without prior instruction from our recruitment teams (LLP and CSG) will not be accepted, and no fees will be payable.

For PSL queries, please contact: [e-mail] or [e-mail]