Senior Contracts Lawyer

To provide high-quality legal advice and support on a broad range of contractual procurement and commercial matters on behalf of the Council. The role will involve managing complex legal work drafting and negotiating agreements advising internal stakeholders and ensuring legal compliance across commercial and contractual activities.

• Provide specialist legal advice on contracts procurement commercial transactions and related local government matters.
  
• Draft review and negotiate a wide range of contracts agreements and legal documentation.
  
• Advise officers senior managers and departments on contractual risk procurement regulations and legal obligations.
  
• Support complex commercial projects and strategic initiatives across the Council.
  
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation governance requirements and Council policies.
  
• Manage a varied caseload independently ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and within deadlines.
  
• Liaise with external solicitors counsel contractors suppliers and partner organisations where required.
  
• Assist with dispute resolution claims management and contractual negotiations.
  
• Provide legal input into procurement exercises and tendering processes.
  
• Support and mentor junior legal staff where appropriate.
  
• Maintain accurate records and case management systems in line with service requirements.
  
• Contribute to service development continuous improvement initiatives and legal best practice.
  

• Qualified Solicitor Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with current practising certificate.
  
• Significant experience in contracts procurement and commercial law.
  
• Strong knowledge of local government legal frameworks and public procurement regulations.
  
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex contractual documentation.
  
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied caseload independently.
  
• Excellent analytical negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Experience advising senior management and elected members where required.
  
• Proficient in legal case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  

• Hours per week: 37 hours
  
• Location: Northampton West Northamptonshire
  
• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly payments