Commercial Contracts Solicitor (Construction) in Belfast

Are you a solicitor with experience in construction or commercial contracts looking to move in-house, or already working in-house and considering your next opportunity? I'm working with a leading construction business that is looking to appoint a Commercial Contracts Solicitor to join its established legal team. This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-value construction projects, partnering closely with commercial and operational teams to provide practical legal advice, negotiate contracts and help manage commercial risk from tender stage through to project completion.

The Role

• As part of the legal team, you'll play a key role in supporting the business on a broad range of non-contentious construction matters.
• Working alongside pre-construction, commercial and project teams, your responsibilities will include:
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating construction contracts and a range of commercial agreements.
• Providing commercially focused legal advice to internal stakeholders, helping to manage contractual risk while supporting business objectives.
• Reviewing tender documentation and identifying key contractual risks, liabilities and opportunities.
• Negotiating building contracts with clients and their legal advisers through to execution.
• Advising on staged contractual arrangements, including Letters of Intent, Pre-Construction Services Agreements and main construction contracts.
• Preparing contract summaries for project teams, highlighting key obligations, milestones, timeframes and risk areas.
• Reviewing consultant appointments, collateral warranties, subcontract agreements and related documentation.
• Building strong working relationships with clients, external advisers and colleagues across the business.

About You

• Applications are welcomed from qualified solicitors with experience in construction law or commercial contracts. Candidates from both private practice and in-house backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• You'll ideally have:
• Around 3+ years' PQE, although candidates with relevant experience outside this range are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience advising on construction contracts, particularly JCT contracts and associated amendments.
• Knowledge of collateral warranties, novation agreements, bonds and parent company guarantees.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and analytical skills.
• A commercial mindset with the ability to provide pragmatic, solution-focused advice.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Apply?

• This is an opportunity to join a well-established and highly respected business delivering major construction projects across the UK and Ireland.
• You'll be part of a collaborative legal team, working closely with senior decision-makers and playing an integral role in supporting complex, high-value projects.
• In return, you'll benefit from:
• Exposure to a varied and interesting workload.
• Genuine involvement in commercial decision-making.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Hybrid working and a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Excellent long-term career development opportunities.

If you're interested in finding out more, I'd be happy to arrange a confidential discussion. For further information on this role, apply via the link or contact Ciaran Gallagher at VANRATH for a confidential discussion.