Team Senior Lawyer

Staffordshire County Council; Stafford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme with up to 29.6% employer contribution

Flexible working arrangements

28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Job summary

A local authority in Stafford is seeking an experienced senior lawyer to lead their Contracts and Procurement team. The role involves providing complex legal and procurement advice across all Council departments while overseeing the delivery of legal services. The ideal candidate will be a qualified Chartered Legal Executive, Solicitor, or Barrister with significant leadership and communication skills. The position offers a rewarding caseload and a supportive environment focused on professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Contracts and Procurement in a legal environment.
• Ability to manage complex casework effectively.
• Strong leadership qualities to mentor and develop team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Contracts and Procurement team.
• Provide complex legal and procurement advice across the Council.
• Review and draft complex agreements including various contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Legal drafting

Advisory skills

Team management

Education

Qualified Chartered Legal Executive, Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced senior lawyer to lead our Contracts and Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop the team while helping to shape its future direction. You will oversee the delivery of legal services within the team and provide complex legal and procurement advice across all Council departments.

We are a forward-thinking, modern authority known for our strong financial management. We are ambitious and encourage our employees to be bold and innovative in their work. Our legal department consists of 100 dedicated lawyers and support staff.

We offer a diverse and rewarding caseload that allows you to apply your expertise in managing a range of complex legal matters.

Benefits

• Pension scheme with up to 29.6% employer contribution.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 28 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring, and developing the existing Contracts and Procurement team to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Providing complex legal and procurement advice to clients on various matters relating to all Directorates of the Council.
• Reviewing, drafting and advising on a variety of complex agreements including frameworks, services contracts, ICT contracts, social care contracts, collaboration agreements, section 75 agreements and various central and local government grant funding arrangements and loan agreements including Subsidy Control considerations.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Legal Executive (with practice/advocacy rights), Solicitor or Barrister with proven experience in Contracts and Procurement and the ability to lead a team.
• Significant experience in a legal environment, with the ability to manage complex casework.
• Strong leadership qualities to mentor, supervise, and manage team members, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage clearly and confidently across verbal, written, and digital platforms.
• Ability to draft complex legal documents and provide accurate, high-quality advice.

Recruitment Process

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.