Your new role
Southend City Council has a new full-time, permanent opportunity for a local authority experienced Contracts Lawyer.The position will require you to hit the ground running, independently managing a varied caseload of contract and procurement matters. You will provide expert legal advice and support, dealing with commercial and construction contracts such as JCT and NEC. The team undertakes a broad range of work, including complex and high-value matters.
Duties will include (but are not limited to) drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts and to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies, working closely with procurement colleagues to provide procurement advice, including strategy and risk, reviewing and commenting on reports in respect of the Council’s governance and decision-making procedures, including the Contract Procedure Rules.This is a key role in safeguarding the Council’s interests, managing legal risks, and supporting procurement and commercial initiatives. All with the support of the Principal and Senior Lawyers.
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, you must be a qualified lawyer with previous contract experience, preferably within a local authority environment.
You will be able to demonstrate the relevant skills and experience to be able to work independently, working on a caseload of matters, either in support of a wider initiative or as standalone cases.Be able to undertake procurement, contract and administrative work as necessary, to support the work of the team.
Keep up to date with developments in the law, have good research and organisational skills, provide clear and concise legal advice as required.Develop legal technical expertise and experience in one or more areas of law with some supervision from the Principal Lawyer or the Senior Lawyer, where necessary.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click ’apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.



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