R2R105040 - Senior Lawyer - Contracts - Permanent

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend City Council has a new full-time, permanent opportunity for an experienced Contracts Lawyer.

The position will require you to work independently under the Principle Lawyer, managing a varied caseload of contract and procurement matters, including routine complex legal cases, high profile and politically sensitive issues.You will provide expert legal advice and support, dealing with commercial and construction contracts such as JCT and NEC.

Duties will include (but are not limited to) drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies. Work closely with 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.

You will support the Principal Lawyer to work collaboratively with senior officers and councillors, to promote the behaviours and values of the council and set out a clear direction and expectation of performance standards.

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 have UK experience and the appropriate Degree in Law or Diploma from the Institute for Legal Executives, together with completed practice requirements for a fully-qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, along with a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council or the Institute of Legal Executives.

You must have previous experience of working within Local Government and experience of working in a political environment.

Have experience of dealing with elected members and senior officers, using appropriate communication and negotiation skills.

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.

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. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.