Senior Legal Counsel - Construction

Bovis builds enduring partnerships, bringing together the right expertise, the right capabilities and the right resources to deliver the most complex projects. We know from decades of experience that successful delivery of multi-year complex projects requires close working relationships and collaboration through the supply chain. That’s why we share risk and invest in people and relationships at every level. We make things happen, anticipating challenges before they arise. Drawing on our highly experienced, multi-disciplinary teams, we bring a fresh perspective, tailoring our approach to the specific demands of the project, helping to simplify complexity and minimise risk.

What we are recruiting for:

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Legal Counsel to join the UK Construction and Consulting business. This is an opportunity for a construction lawyer to join a growing legal team supporting the UK Construction and Consulting business.

Roles & responsibilities:

• Provide legal support on proposed construction and consulting projects including the review and negotiation of main contract terms and consultant and subcontractor appointments (based on JCT/NEC standard forms as well as framework arrangements).
• Provide legal support covering a range of issues on active projects.
• Analyse, review, evaluate and research risks, and develop and implement alternative solutions.
• Maintain current knowledge on legal developments, disseminating updates to business units.
• Manage relationships with external law firms and coordinate between external law firms and the business.
• Assist in managing and updating precedent documents for the construction and consulting business.
• Support the Head of Legal in team matters including legal team training and reporting - this is not a people manager role.
• Produce, analyse, interpret, implement, and update legal and risk policies, procedures and databases and prepare, review and provide legal documents and reports to track legal issues, recommend corrective actions and maintain timely information in compliance with requirements of Governmental agencies, laws, statutes, rules and regulations.

Experience & background:

• Minimum 8 years PQE solicitor or equivalent in other common law jurisdiction with strong academic background.
• Legal practice certificate.
• In depth experience of construction law and contracts including work for contractors.
• Experience in major construction projects, urban regeneration projects, commercial office projects and heritage projects.
• Extensive experience of contract reviews and strong negotiation skills of JCT Design and Build and NEC forms of contract.
• Knowledge of developer/funder documentation.
• Knowledge of dispute work is an advantage but not essential.
• In-house experience/aptitude to work in-house.
• Experience or understanding of new methods of construction matters is an advantage.
• Contract review and negotiation skills of other forms of contract including management contracts, construction management agreements and PPC2000 form is an advantage.

We will provide:

• Car allowance.
• Flexible and hybrid work options.
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution.
• Private medical health benefit.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Life assurance.
• 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• 3 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave.
• Health and wellbeing support and initiatives.
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services.
• Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gyms nationwide.

Belong at Bovis:

We offer workplaces that unite diverse minds; where respect, equal treatment and equal opportunity are just the norm. We are a disability inclusive employer. If you need any adjustment or changes to the process, email us to let us know if you have a preferred communication method. We build careers, develop skills, and invest in people. Imagine what more you can do here. Bovis is committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer of choice by engaging, enabling and empowering our people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Inclusion sets us all up for success and we particularly encourage applications from currently under-represented groups in our industry including those who self-identify as women, black, Asian, minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or disabled.