At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our national team to provide expert advice on public procurement law.
- Company: Mills & Reeve, a leading law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for public speaking and business development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while working with diverse clients.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in public procurement law and strong commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Mills & Reeve are hiring an experienced Procurement Solicitor to join our growing, national team.
The role involves working alongside our public procurement lawyers and the commercial team, providing support and advice in relation to public procurement law to clients including central and local government, national agencies, NHS bodies, education institutions, charities, and utility companies, as well as suppliers to the public sector and utilities from SMEs to PLCs. Ideally based in Birmingham or Cambridge, with a willingness to be based in Leeds, Manchester, Norwich, or Oxford, the successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of procurement advice for both procuring entities and suppliers.
Tasks will include:
- Drafting and advising on procurement documentation (from contract notices through to evaluation strategy, standstill and award);
- Procurement strategy and other advisory work;
- Advising on challenges to procurement decisions and processes.
The person we are looking for should be an enthusiastic team player with a passion for public procurement law, confidence to take responsibility for their own matters and clients, and help grow the practice. You will have 5+ years PQE with previous public procurement experience, demonstrate excellent commercial legal skills and sound commercial acumen, an understanding of the public sector, and a passion for public procurement work.
Activities include:
- Advising on all aspects of public procurement law;
- Working with our procurement litigation specialists, advising on proceedings in the High Court (both defending and bringing challenges);
- Assisting in the maintenance of our market-leading procurement online resource, the Procurement Portal;
- Supporting business development activities, including speaking at training events, seminars and external conferences, contributing to newsletters, blogs, tenders and pitches;
- Contributing to internal know-how and precedent development;
- Supervising more junior members of the team, trainees and apprentice solicitors.
Skills and Attributes required:
- A breadth of experience of public procurement and commercial law;
- Excellent written English for drafting purposes;
- Marketing and business development experience;
- Experience of public speaking;
- Excellent commercial management skills including experience in scoping and pricing work;
- Excellent time and paper management skills.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Pre-employment screening will be conducted if a role is offered, including a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three-year employment history, and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
The Benefits include a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.
Senior/Principal Associate - Procurement (0413) in Manchester employer: Mills & Reeve
Mills & Reeve is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where experienced solicitors can thrive in the field of public procurement law. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to engage in business development activities and contribute to market-leading resources, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Located in vibrant cities like Birmingham and Cambridge, the firm fosters a collaborative culture that values teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Associate - Procurement (0413) in Manchester
✨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 Mills & Reeve.
✨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 Senior/Principal Associate - Procurement (0413) in Manchester
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 Mills & Reeve:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Mills & Reeve. 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 Mills & Reeve.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mills & Reeve
✨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 Mills & Reeve!
✨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 Mills & Reeve. 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 Mills & Reeve's culture.
