Principal Associate - Commercial Projects (0315) in Norwich

The role Mills & Reeve are looking to hire an experienced Commercial Projects Solicitor to join our growing, national team and to be involved in high‑profile projects. We are looking to welcome an ambitious lawyer to our busy and friendly projects team where you will work on a range of projects and commercial contracts with an opportunity to help out on some procurement work, if that appeals to you. Our team is constantly involved in high value and high‑profile projects. You will be acting across a range of sectors for government departments, contracting authorities and our private sector clients on a variety of complex commercial contracts, often with national importance. The Ministry of Defence is a key client, and you will be supporting that client on major procurements. You will be given early responsibility to run projects and your own matters. You need to be a confident self‑starter and happy to take your own initiative. This role could be based out of any of our regional offices, excluding London.

The person

• Significant commercial law experience, with a minimum of 7 years PQE
• Experience working with government departments or for private sector companies contracting with government
• Strong drafting skills (preferably with experience of the Model Services Contract)
• Ability to give clear, simple and pragmatic advice and be comfortable working collaboratively with clients
• Public procurement experience is a plus but not a requirement
• Possession of Security Clearance is a plus but not a requirement

The activities

• Leading on major projects and assisting to develop innovative, cutting‑edge contract structures
• Advising on PFI expiry/variation and future public‑private partnerships
• Structuring, drafting and negotiating high‑value commercial contracts (including financial and technical schedules)
• Mentoring and supervising members of the team and supporting training for clients
• Leading and participating in business development initiatives and marketing events, including client training, preparation of tenders, attending pitches and client hospitality events
• Undertaking and co‑ordinating project management to ensure a seamless service
• The option of working on procurement issues/developing procurement skills

The team

You will be working with a number of partners, including Jens Henniker Heaton, Stuart Thompson and Andrew Ray, who are all based in our Cambridge office; and Nick Helm who is based in our Manchester office. Cambridge would be a preferred base, noting that with 7 offices in England we can be flexible on location, but this will not be a London based role.

The Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits.

Pre employment screening

If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre‑employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, 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.

Workplace flexibility and inclusion

We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and we will do our best to support with these.