This Legal department post at East West Rail Company, reporting to the Director of Legal, advises on high-value procurements across the full lifecycle, from strategy and market engagement through to evaluation, award and contract management. The work covers the Procurement Act 2023 and legacy procurements under earlier rules such as the Utilities Contracts Regulations. The post works alongside Commercial and project teams, and external lawyers support specialist matters. Candidates must be qualified solicitors or barristers in England and Wales with at least three years' PQE.
What the job involves
- Advise on complex, high-value procurements including infrastructure, construction, professional services, technology and corporate
- Advise on procurement strategy and routes to market under the Procurement Act 2023, Procurement Regulations 2024, Cabinet Office guidance and legacy regimes
- Advise on direct awards, frameworks, call-offs, contract modifications, exemptions, conflicts of interest, transparency and equal treatment
- Advise on market engagement, specifications, conditions of participation, tender documents, evaluation methodology, clarifications, moderation, award decisions, notices and standstill
- Support the management of procurement challenges and disputes where required
- Develop procurement legal tools, policies, templates, guidance and ways of working
- Give pragmatic advice that enables delivery while keeping decisions involving public money lawful, governed and defensible
- Get involved in broader legal work across the company where experience or interests allow
- Act as a role model for the company's vision and behaviours and Ways of Working
Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales with at least 3 years' PQE
Experience
- Experience advising on UK public procurement law, in private practice, government, an arm's-length body, infrastructure, utilities or another regulated environment
Skills & knowledge
- Good working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and/or previous UK procurement regimes
- Confidence giving practical advice and knowing when to draw on wider expertise
- Managing a varied workload and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative approach and interest in working closely with procurement, commercial and project professionals
What’s offered
- Pension contribution of up to 12% from the employer
- 36 days annual leave including bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 2 extra days
- 2 volunteering days
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Life assurance at 4 times annual salary
- Confidential employee assistance programme and Perkbox discounts and wellbeing benefits
- Recognition programme with on-the-spot and annual awards
- Learning and development opportunities
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
