R2R103661 - Lawyer -Contracts - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend City Council has a new full-time, permanent opportunity for an experienced Contracts Lawyer. The position will require you to hit the ground running, independently managing a varied caseload of contract and procurement matters. You will provide expert legal advice and support, dealing with commercial and construction contracts such as JCT and NEC. The team undertakes a broad range of work, including complex and high-value matters. Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policies.
• Working closely with procurement colleagues to provide procurement advice, including strategy and risk.
• Reviewing and commenting on reports in respect of the Council’s governance and decision-making procedures, including the Contract Procedure Rules.

This is a key role in safeguarding the Council’s interests, managing legal risks, and supporting procurement and commercial initiatives, all with the support of the Principal and Senior Lawyers. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

What you’ll need to succeed

To be shortlisted for this position, you must be a qualified lawyer with previous contract experience, preferably within a local authority environment. You will be able to demonstrate the relevant skills and experience to work independently, managing a caseload of matters, either in support of a wider initiative or as standalone cases. You should be able to undertake procurement, contract and administrative work as necessary to support the work of the team. You must keep up to date with developments in the law, have good research and organisational skills, and provide clear and concise legal advice as required. You should develop legal technical expertise and experience in one or more areas of law with some supervision from the Principal Lawyer or the Senior Lawyer, where necessary.

What you’ll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.