At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Procurement and Contracts Team while providing expert legal advice.
- Company: Join St. Albans City & District Council, a vibrant local government.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community with a focus on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified legal professional with experience in contracts law and team management.
The predicted salary is between 50998 - 55224 £ per year.
Essex County Council are delighted to be advertising the role of Procurement and Contracts Team Leader on behalf of St. Albans City & District Council.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement & Contracts Solicitor in the Legal Shared Service Procurement and Contracts Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated legal professional who enjoys combining leadership, collaboration and technical expertise to make a genuine difference within local government.
This pivotal role will predominantly:
- Lead, inspire, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts Team, while contributing to the ongoing success and improvement of the Legal Shared Service.
- Ensure the delivery of proactive, robust, high quality professional and specialist legal advice on procurement and contractual legal matters, identifying risks and delivering practical, commercially aware solutions.
- Ensure client requirements are met within legal constraints.
In addition, the postholder will support the achievement of the Council’s corporate plan, projects and aims and ensure the delivery of high-quality customer service from the in-house team, external solicitors and from counsel.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, support develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team and contribute to the development of the Legal Shared Service, generally.
- Lead on complex legal matters, identifying potential areas of risk and liability and advising on solution focused strategies.
- Ensure Legal Shared Services provides proactive, pragmatic, robust and solution focused advice and a support service to all clients (internal and external).
- Research, analyse, investigate and provide legal advice to councillors and to officers on any matter within the functions of the Council.
- Attend Member and Officer meetings as required, including meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees to ensure that decisions are lawful.
About you
We’re seeking a confident qualified legal professional with:
- Legal expertise and experience in contracts law and local government procurement.
- Proven track record in managing a legal team.
- Strong interpersonal and client management skills.
- A collaborative approach to working across Councils and teams.
You will possess strong technical expertise, complemented by exceptional leadership, communication and relationship-building skills. You will be committed to developing and motivating high-performing teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture, delivering excellent customer service, and providing practical, value-focused legal solutions that support the Council’s priorities and deliver positive outcomes for our communities.
Join us to make a positive impact in our community by putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do, while living our values of trust, care, collaboration, confidence and customer focus.
St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1 the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short it is a great place to live and work.
In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:
- 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible working options.
- Staff Parking Permit.
- Reimbursement of professional fees.
- Comprehensive development and training.
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
- Access to discounts and benefits via online platform.
Additional Information
- Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
- Disclosure Checks: This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
- English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
For an informal discussion, please contact Lucie Allen, Principal Lead Lawyer on lucie.allen@stalbans.gov.uk or Sameera Khan, Head of Legal Shared Services, Sameera.khan@stalbans.gov.uk.
A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.
Closing date for applications: 11 August 2026. Interviews are scheduled for: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process; we encourage you to submit your applications as soon as possible.
NOTE: We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
How to apply: This role is being advertised on behalf of St. Albans City & District Council therefore all applications must be submitted via the St. Albans City & District Council website.
Procurement and Contracts Team Leader - St. Albans City & District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Team Leader - St. Albans City & District Council
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Essex County Council.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contracts Team Leader - St. Albans City & District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Essex County Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Essex County Council. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Essex County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Essex County Council!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Essex County Council. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Essex County Council's culture.
