Senior/Managing Associate - Public Sector Contracts & Procurement

We are recruiting for a Senior/Managing Associate to join our Public Sector Contracts and Procurement team at TLT. This role would best suit a qualified Solicitor with a minimum of 6 year’s PQE with experience in commercial contracts and public procurement.

This is a full time, permanent role based in Manchester or Birmingham. At TLT we have a progressive, flexible working approach, which focuses on hybrid working to support the work life balance of our people.

Your Role

You will work with our leading public procurement and commercial lawyers to give public procurement law and contract advice to a range of public sector clients, particularly central government departments and government agencies.

The successful candidate will be afforded the opportunity to further enhance their expertise in a broad range of procurement and contract work, across the public sector.

TLT is appointed to several public sector frameworks (including the CCS Legal Services Panel and Public Sector Legal Services Panel) so, you will be working on high profile projects of national importance.

As a key addition to the existing team, day to day you can expect to be involved with:

• A broad and varied caseload of work covering a range of procurements contracts and agreements for local authorities, government and law enforcement agencies
• Advising on procurement strategy and drafting procurement documentation
• Supporting our procurement litigators in relation to informal and formal procurement challenges
• Negotiating tendering procedures
• Drafting, reviewing and managing contracts, framework agreements, and call-off arrangements throughout the whole contract Lifecyle
• Working collaboratively with the team to meet tight deadlines and manage project work
• Assisting in managing and supporting trainees and apprentices in the team
• Working closely with the Partners across each of our office locations in long-term strategy and development of the team
• Taking an active role in business development, and supporting in designing and delivering internal and external client training

Your Skills and Experience

You will be/have:

• A Qualified Solicitor (SRA or Law Society Registered) 6+ year’s PQE
• A strong understanding and experience of UK public procurement law, including the Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations 2015, with experience advising on procurement processes and drafting/reviewing key documentation (e.g. ITTs, specifications and notices)
• Experience in public sector contracts and procurement, preferably including:
• A strong understanding of UK public procurement law is essential, including the Procurement Act 2023, FOI obligations, and anti-bribery legislation
• Experience with various tendering procedures (open, restricted, negotiated, competitive dialogue) and use of procurement portals such as Jaggaer and Proactis
• Ability to draft, review, and manage contracts, framework agreements, and call-off arrangements throughout the full contract lifecycle
• Understanding of value for money principles, contract pricing models, budget management, and whole-life costing
• Familiarity with Cabinet Office guidance, Government Commercial Function standards, social value requirements, and sector-specific rules
• Strong interpersonal skills for working across departments, managing supplier relationships, and negotiating at an operational level
• A proactive and analytical approach, with strong drafting, communication and organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively
• A collaborative team player with a strong team ethos, comfortable working across multi-office teams, while also being confident working independently where appropriate
• An enthusiasm for business development and a genuine interest in keeping up to date with developments in public procurement and your sector focus