Solicitor/Lawyer - Contracts and Procurement Team

London Borough of Bexley; Bexleyheath; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Hybrid work arrangement

Generous leave

Job summary

The London Borough of Bexley seeks a solicitor or lawyer with at least 2 years’ post-qualification experience in the public sector to cover maternity leave in the Legal Services Contracts Team. You will handle procurement and contract matters, including JCT/NEC works contracts, and draft a wide range of documents.

Role offers hybrid working with some in-office days; a strong procurement law background is essential, with the ability to work independently and within a team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' PQE in the public sector.
• Experience in procurement and contract law within local government.
• Knowledge of works contracts and standard construction contracts (JCT/NEC).
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and work independently within a team.

Responsibilities

• Advise on procurement and commercial contracts.
• Draft and review works, service, grant, and other contractual agreements.
• Prepare and manage a wide range of contract documents for the Contracts Team.
• Provide guidance under Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.

Skills

PQE 2+ years

Procurement law

Public sector

JCT/NEC contracts

Drafting

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Qualified solicitor or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

Our Legal Services Contracts Team is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Solicitor / Lawyer to join the team on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis to provide maternity cover.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor / lawyer looking to develop their expertise within a busy and supportive public sector legal environment.

Fixed‑Term Contract - 12 Months (Maternity Cover)

About the Role

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 2 years' post‑qualification experience (PQE) gained within the public sector, with experience in local government highly desirable.

The role will involve advising on a varied and interesting portfolio of procurement and contractual matters, including:

• Procurement and commercial contracts
• Works contracts, including advising on and drafting agreements using JCT and NEC standard forms
• Service contracts
• Grant agreements
• Preparing, reviewing and managing a wide range of contractual documentation on behalf of the Contracts Team

A strong working knowledge of procurement law is essential, including experience of advising under:

• Public Contracts Regulations 2015
• Procurement Act 2023

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement consisting of part working in the office and part working at home (using a laptop provided by the Council) with the number of days for both variable and dependent on the needs of the service, (a minimum of one day per week in the office).

For queries about the role please contact: [e-mail]

Candidate Profile

You will be:

• A qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional with at least 2 years' PQE
• Experienced in procurement and contract law within the public sector
• Knowledgeable in works contracts and standard construction contracts, particularly JCT and NEC forms
• Able to manage a varied caseload and work independently while contributing effectively within a team
• An excellent communicator with strong drafting and negotiation skills

Interviews

Thursday 19th November 2026 and Thursday 26th November 2026 to be held in person at the Civic Offices.

About Us

Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent which means it combines the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It's got award‑winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites. The borough has excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. Bexley offers fantastic amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas. Our borough is also home to numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions.

Our Offer to you

We will offer you in return a package that includes a competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave plus bank holidays. For more information on the benefits package on offer please refer to the Candidate Information document attached.

Recruitment Information

As a disability confident employer Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact uson [e-mail]

This role may be available as a development opportunity through secondment for the Council’s existing employees. The Council’s Secondment Scheme can be found here. If this option is of interest, please contact the recruiting manager.

We reserve the right to close adverts earlier than the closing date.