At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate construction contracts for council home improvements.
- Company: Harlow District Council, a thriving community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a team making impactful changes in the community with significant investment.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial law and familiarity with construction contracts required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Location: Harlow
Full time, Temporary
£46.78 PAYE / £60.00 Umbrella
Closing Date: Monday 16th February 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a Commercial Lawyer on a full-time, temporary basis. This post requires the successful individual to be based on site a minimum of 2 days per week. Harlow is a district of contrasts and an ideal location to both live and work. The town itself is thriving, with excellent shopping and leisure facilities for all ages. We have good road links to the M11 and M25 and excellent rail connections to London and Stansted Airport, just 35 minutes and 20 minutes away from Harlow respectively.
Job purpose and responsibilities
We are looking for a commercial lawyer to draft and negotiate JCT construction contracts for works to occupied council homes. Harlow Council is investing heavily in its existing Council Homes and Estates. It is spending over £50m this year and a similar amount next year, on construction projects to deliver improvements such as new windows, roofs, kitchens, water tanks, door entry systems and electrical upgrades, as well as a significant amount of fire safety work. To deliver all this work, we are procuring suppliers from scratch and are developing and executing a large number of works contracts and consultancy agreements.
We are looking for an experienced commercial lawyer who is familiar with construction contracts, who can help us with the following:
- Drafting, negotiating and reviewing a range of housing related contracts, agreements (and policies relating to capital works)
- Advising on procurement strategy, compliance and risk mitigation
- Supporting governance and statutory compliance
- Drafting and negotiating JCT/NEC contracts, collateral warranties and guarantees
What You Should Do Next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with commercial law or local councils. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it relates to the role at Harlow District Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of past projects where you've drafted and negotiated contracts. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your expertise in commercial law.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lawyer – Harlow District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with JCT and NEC contracts, as well as any relevant procurement strategies you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Harlow District Council. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description, and show us your passion for improving council homes.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through the Working for Essex website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts before the interview. Being able to discuss specific clauses and their implications will show that you're not just familiar with the paperwork, but that you can navigate the complexities of construction law with ease.
✨Understand Harlow's Vision
Research Harlow District Council's recent projects and future plans. Understanding their investment in council homes and how your role as a commercial lawyer fits into that vision will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to procurement strategy or risk mitigation. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a commercial lawyer, you'll need to communicate complex legal concepts clearly. Be ready to explain your thought process during the interview, and practice articulating your ideas succinctly. This will help the interviewers see that you can effectively advise stakeholders and collaborate with teams.
