Senior Paralegal - Commercial & Construction

ODS; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in Oxford is seeking a Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) to support growth. The role involves drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts while ensuring legal compliance. Ideal for a proactive legal professional with at least five years of experience. Offers flexible working arrangements and a chance to make a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Nest Pension

Group Life Cover (4x basic salary)

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' relevant experience, preferably in-house.
• Proactive legal professional capable of providing timely advice.
• Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and construction contracts.
• Create and maintain a centralized contract register.
• Assist with initial stages of litigation matters.

Skills

Contract Review & Negotiation

Legal Support & Litigation

Contract Management

Job description

Are you looking for a role where your legal expertise makes a real difference to the local community? At ODS, we’re proud to do things differently. We operate commercially, but our profits go directly back into public services across Oxford, making our city cleaner, greener and more vibrant. We are now seeking a Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) to support the continued growth of our commercial operations. You will provide pragmatic, timely advice and play a key role in helping us deliver major commercial initiatives. This role will suit a proactive legal professional with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience, preferably gained in‑house, or from practice looking to make the move in‑house. Your work will directly support our ambitious growth plans, contributing to increased income that is reinvested into public services — providing real and tangible social benefit to the Oxford community. You will advise on, draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, support major projects and advise on cross‑functional legal matters. The position offers flexible working arrangements and represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated paralegal eager to further develop their career in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Contract Review & Negotiation: Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and construction contracts while providing advice on risks, structures, and ancillary documents.
• Contract Management: Create and maintain a centralised contract register and support implementation of effective contract lifecycle management processes.
• Legal Support & Litigation: Assist with initial stages of litigation matters, including responding to letters of claim and liaising with external counsel where necessary.

About ODS

ODS exists to make Oxford a world‑class city to live, work and visit. From waste and recycling collections to maintaining the city’s roads, buildings and green spaces, our teams are at the heart of keeping Oxford running. Working here means joining a dedicated and supportive team that takes pride in doing work that matters.

What we offer

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Nest Pension
• Group Life Cover (4x basic salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• The chance to make a positive, lasting impact on your community

Closing Date for applications: 30/11/2025

Please Note: All vacancies close at midnight on the stated closing date.