At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in procurement and contracts, ensuring top-notch legal support.
- Company: Join St Albans City and District Council, a forward-thinking local government.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30.5 days leave, flexible working, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a Disability Confident employer with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Legal experience in contract law and strong team management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55224 - 55224 £ per year.
Job Ref: P2495
Salary: £50,998 to £55,224 per annum, plus a Market Supplement of up to £5,000 depending on experience, plus Local Government Pension Scheme (pay award pending)
Location: St Albans
Working pattern: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week), with flexible working options including hybrid working
Role overview
St Albans City and District Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Solicitor to lead the Legal Shared Service's Procurement and Contracts Team. This pivotal role combines leadership, collaboration and technical expertise, supporting the Council's corporate plan and priorities while ensuring high-quality legal and customer service delivery.
What you'll be doing
- Lead, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team, contributing to the development of the Legal Shared Service
- Lead on complex legal matters, identifying risk and liability and advising on solution-focused strategies
- Ensure the Legal Shared Service provides proactive, pragmatic and robust advice and support to all clients, internal and external
- Ensure client requirements are met within legal constraints
- Research, analyse, investigate and provide legal advice to councillors and officers on matters within the Council's functions
- Attend Member and Officer meetings, including Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings, to help ensure decisions are lawful
- Support delivery of high-quality customer service from the in-house team, external solicitors and counsel, aligned with the Council's corporate plan
What you'll bring
- Legal expertise and experience in contract law and local government procurement
- A proven track record of managing a legal team
- Strong interpersonal and client management skills
- A collaborative approach to working across councils and teams
What's on offer
- 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service), plus bank holidays pro rata for part-time working patterns
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Staff parking permit
- Reimbursement of professional fees
- Comprehensive development and training
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- Access to discounts and benefits via an online platform
Additional information
St Albans is a Disability Confident employer and guarantees an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the role. This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check. The ability to converse easily with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for this role.
Closing date for applications: 11 August 2026. Interviews are held throughout the application process, so early applications are encouraged.
Contact Details:
St Albans City & District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Team Leader in London
✨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 St Albans City & District Council.
✨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 Procurement and Contracts Team Leader in London
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 St Albans City & District Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to St Albans City & District Council. 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 St Albans City & District Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Albans City & District Council
✨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 St Albans City & District Council!
✨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 St Albans City & District Council. 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 St Albans City & District Council's culture.
