Senior Commercial Legal Counsel

Full-Time 54500 - 68000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide legal advice on major infrastructure projects and manage complex contracts.
  • Company: Leading UK infrastructure organisation with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% cash fund, hybrid working, and strong wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team impacting significant national infrastructure projects.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with experience in commercial and construction law.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and exposure to high-profile work.

The predicted salary is between 54500 - 68000 £ per year.

Sellick Partnership is working with a major UK infrastructure organisation to recruit a Senior Legal Counsel (Commercial) into its in-house Legal and Company Secretariat team. This role sits within the Chief Financial Officer Directorate and supports one of the largest and most complex infrastructure programmes in Europe. You will provide commercial and contract law advice across all areas of the organisation, supporting major procurements, high-value construction contracts, supply chain arrangements and corporate agreements. You will work closely with procurement, project delivery, technology and senior leadership teams to ensure contractual risk is controlled and that the organisation can deliver its programme of work efficiently and compliantly. This role suits a commercially minded lawyer who enjoys working at the heart of major projects and advising a wide range of senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Legal Counsel will include:

  • Provide commercial and contract law advice across corporate and project related procurements, including high value construction and supply chain contracts
  • Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements, ensuring legal and commercial risk is managed
  • Act as the main legal adviser on data protection and GDPR matters, supporting the Data Protection Officer and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
  • Lead on Phase 2a procurements, including early works contracts
  • Run regular legal surgeries for procurement and contract management teams to improve efficiency and reduce external legal spend
  • Deliver targeted legal training to internal teams on areas such as procurement law and contracting
  • Develop and maintain legal templates and self-help tools to support the wider business
  • Advise on contractual claims and disputes, using external lawyers where appropriate
  • Manage external law firms, including quality, cost and delivery against agreed budgets
  • Prepare reports and briefings for senior leadership and support informed decision making
  • Liaise directly with senior stakeholders across the organisation and government bodies
  • Supervise trainees or junior lawyers when required
  • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work

Experience/qualifications required for the Senior Commercial Legal Counsel position:

  • To be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister with strong experience in commercial, contract or construction law
  • Demonstrable experience of advising on large projects, ideally in construction, infrastructure or the public sector
  • Experience of public sector procurement and contracting
  • Experience of managing external legal advisers
  • Strong drafting, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  • The ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with multiple priorities

Experience gained in both in-house and private practice, or working with government departments, utilities or transport bodies, would be an advantage.

What’s in it for the successful Senior Commercial Legal Counsel?

This organisation offers the opportunity to work on high-value procurements that directly impact the delivery of a nationally significant infrastructure programme. You will join a collaborative in-house legal team with exposure to complex and high-profile work, alongside:

  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Plus an additional 20% cash fund that can be added to salary or used for benefits
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • A strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and professional development
  • The chance to develop deep expertise in major project contracting

How to apply for the Senior Commercial Legal Counsel position:

This is a strong opportunity for a senior commercial or construction lawyer looking to move into or progress within an in-house role on major infrastructure projects. If you have the relevant experience and would like to be considered, please apply as soon as possible. Alternatively, contact Mark Bladen at Sellick Partnership for a confidential discussion about the role.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Senior Commercial Legal Counsel employer: Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector

Join a leading UK infrastructure organisation as a Senior Commercial Legal Counsel, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping major projects that impact the nation. With a competitive salary, a 20% cash fund for benefits, and a strong emphasis on wellbeing and professional development, this role offers a collaborative work culture and the opportunity to develop expertise in high-value procurements. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment that values your growth and input.
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Contact Detail:

Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the infrastructure space. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Commercial Legal Counsel, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage contracts effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen on joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Legal Counsel

Commercial Law
Contract Law
Construction Law
Public Sector Procurement
Drafting Skills
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Data Protection
GDPR Compliance
Legal Training Delivery
Legal Template Development
Dispute Resolution
External Legal Management
Report Preparation
Supervision of Trainees

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your commercial and contract law expertise, especially in construction and infrastructure projects, to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Commercial Legal Counsel role. Mention specific experiences that align with our needs and show us your passion for the work.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: We love candidates who can manage relationships effectively. In your application, give examples of how you've worked with senior stakeholders or managed external legal advisers in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our collaborative environment.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership Limited - Public Sector

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on commercial and contract law, especially as it relates to infrastructure projects. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, like high-value construction contracts and public sector procurement, so you can speak confidently about your experience.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

This role involves liaising with senior stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed relationships in the past. Think of specific examples where your negotiation skills made a difference, especially in high-pressure situations.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal challenges or scenarios related to procurement and contracting. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.

✨Highlight Your Team Spirit

Since you'll be working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success, whether through delivering legal training or managing external advisers, to show you're a team player who values inclusion.

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