Senior Lawyer (Commercial/Contracts) - 37 hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Contracts/Commercial Lawyer to provide legal expertise in commercial and procurement matters. The role offers a competitive salary of £55,437 - £58,525 per year and includes a market supplement. With a commitment to high-quality services and a hybrid work environment, the council aims to thrive and support its community. Candidates must have at least 3 years PQE and strong communication skills. Attractive benefits include flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Career Average Re‑Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme

Flexible working

Paid professional subscription

Learning and development opportunities

Family friendly policies

Key skills relocation package

Golden Hello opportunity

Lifestyle discounts and health benefits

Qualifications

• At least 3 years PQE as a solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX.
• Experience with complex drafting work and contract negotiation.
• Suitable training as a legal advisor/advocate.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist legal advice on commercial, contract, and procurement matters.
• Support major projects and infrastructure schemes.
• Actively involve in key agendas for Torbay's success.

Skills

Highly effective communication & interpersonal skills

Ability to give clear & accurate legal advice

Analytical & problem solving skills

Education

Admitted & practising solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX

Job description

Application Deadline: 12 January 2026

Department: Corporate Services

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £55,437 - £58,525 / year

Description

The salary includes a market supplement of £8,256 per year, reviewed annually.

Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the Council’s own ambitious transformation programme, Torbay has the opportunity to capitalise on its profile and many assets. As a unitary authority, you’ll discover a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fuelled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition – evident by being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ in the Local Government Chronicle Awards. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high quality services to local people.

To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Senior Contracts/Commercial Lawyer to join our Legal Services Team to provide specialist legal advice, representation and assistance to the Council in all commercial, contract and procurement matters including major projects and infrastructure schemes. This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. No two days will be the same, which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon.

As a Senior Lawyer, you will be a suitably qualified professional with at least 3 years PQE; excited by a fast‑paced and varied caseload, conscientious, professionally curious and a role model to other team members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organisation and team, where your talent will be valued and actively developed. Our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us. We also understand the importance of an effective work‑life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach, managed effectively around essential meetings and/or court appearances in line with the remit of the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer in a great period of change, seeing legal services as an enabler in pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for its residents.

Benefits

• A generous salary (to include market supplement)
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• A Career Average Re‑Valued Earnings (CARE) pension scheme through Peninsula Pensions
• Flexible working
• Paid professional subscription
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive management and team structure
• Family friendly policies
• Key skills relocation package
• Golden Hello opportunity
• A wide range of lifestyle discounts and health and wellbeing benefits

For an informal chat please contact Samantha Goodwin ([e-mail]) on 01803 207164 or Philip Taylor ([e-mail]).

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 19th January 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there is a published deadline – so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

• Highly effective communication & interpersonal skills
• Ability to give clear & accurate legal advice
• Analytical & problem solving skills

Knowledge

• A high level of knowledge of the law & procedure within the specialist discipline
• A detailed knowledge of the law application to local government & public procurement legislation
• A general awareness of the policies, aims & objective of the council

Experience & Qualifications

• Admitted & practising solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX with at least 3 years post‑qualification experience
• Suitable training and experience as a legal advisor / advocate
• Experience of complex drafting work and contract negotiation