Senior Commercial Lawyer

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Senior Commercial Lawyer to join its in-house Legal Services team. This role involves leading high-value commercial contracts, advising on legal matters, and supporting university initiatives. Candidates should have significant experience in commercial law. This role offers generous benefits, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working options

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in commercial law, ideally in-house or in the public/education sector.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills, with a pragmatic and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading and advising on high-value, complex commercial contracts.
• Advising on intellectual property, data protection, and contractual risk.
• Providing legal guidance to senior leadership and academic teams.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Drafting skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-qualification experience in commercial law

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton is proud of its rich heritage as a post-1992 institution, transforming lives through education, research, and innovation. As we continue to grow we are seeking a Senior Commercial Lawyer to join our in-house Legal Services team.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking university, supporting a wide range of commercial activities, both at home and abroad, and strategic projects that make a real difference to students, staff, and our wider communities.

Responsibilities

• Leading and advising on high-value, complex commercial contracts, including procurement, partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, and research agreements.
• Advising on intellectual property, data protection, and contractual risk.
• Supporting strategic university initiatives such as campus developments, international partnerships, and enterprise activities.
• Providing legal guidance to senior leadership and academic teams across the University.
• Managing external legal providers and mentoring junior legal colleagues.

Requirements

• Significant post‑qualification experience in commercial law, ideally including time in‑house or in the public/education sector.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills, with a pragmatic and solution‑focused approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills – able to build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to the values of a modern, inclusive, and accessible university.

Experience in higher education, public procurement, or charity law is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Career development and CPD opportunities
• A collaborative and supportive environment where your legal expertise will shape the future of our institution

Staff Benefits

You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service – complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support – free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers – free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan – covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You

• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working – flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On‑site Parking – available across campuses
• Cycle Benefits Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts – savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts – up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

• Staff Network and Inclusion – access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access – staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme – funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level.
• Leadership and Management Development – access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

We Believe In Diversity

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.