Senior Commercial Contracts Solicitor

Venn Group - London; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000

Job description

Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer – South East Council – £65-70 per hour – Fully Remote

Job Title: Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer
Council: South East Local Authority
Working Pattern: Full-time – Fully Remote
Rate: £65-70 per hour (umbrella)
Duration: 3 months+ (potential for extension)

Venn Group’s public sector legal team is working with a South East Local Authority, seeking an experienced Senior Contracts and Procurement Lawyer to provide high-level legal support on contract transitions and commercial matters. This is a fully remote role, offering flexibility while working on a significant commercial project.

Job Overview:

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the transition and management of a large portfolio of contracts, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process. The role will involve contract drafting, negotiation, and novation, alongside advising stakeholders on strategic approaches to contract management and procurement compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the transition of contracts from an external entity back to the council, ensuring all agreements are legally and operationally sound.
2. Work within the council’s commercial transition strategy, assessing each contract to determine the most suitable course of action, such as novation, termination, or renegotiation.
3. Draft, review, and negotiate a range of contracts, including service agreements, licensing agreements, and supplier contracts.
4. Engage with suppliers and service providers, managing communications, addressing queries, and resolving disputes as they arise.
5. Provide specialist legal advice on contract law, procurement legislation, and regulatory compliance.
6. Maintain accurate records and documentation of contract transitions, ensuring compliance with internal governance requirements.
7. Supervise and support a temporary paralegal assisting with contract transitions, and provide guidance where necessary.
8. Report regularly on project progress, risks, and challenges to senior stakeholders, ensuring smooth delivery within agreed timeframes.
9. Identify and document any outstanding work required for contract transition at the project’s conclusion.

Requirements:

1. Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEx Legal Executive with significant experience in contract and procurement law.
2. Strong background in contract negotiation, drafting, and transition processes, particularly in the public sector.
3. Familiarity with procurement legislation and contract management best practices.
4. Experience in handling large-scale contract transfers within a complex organisational setting.
5. Ability to work independently in a remote setting while managing multiple priorities effectively.
6. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

This role is ideal for an experienced contracts and procurement lawyer seeking a high-level project role within a public sector setting. Candidates with relevant commercial legal experience are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

For further details, please contact John Smith at Venn Group:
07441 916 456
[e-mail] / [e-mail]

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates. All salaries and PQE ranges stated serve only as a guide, and all applicants will be considered on their individual merits.