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- Tasks: Manage complex commercial cases and support other lawyers in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join a well-established local authority legal service with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on high-profile public sector projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in public sector procurement law.
- Other info: Great opportunity to develop leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 59000 £ per year.
This is a senior commercial role within a large, well-established local authority legal service, working on complex, high-value public sector projects with real-world impact. The role combines technically demanding work with the opportunity to support and guide other lawyers, without requiring prior formal management experience.
The team You’ll join a specialist Contracts and Commercial team within a wider in-house legal service. The team works closely with procurement colleagues and internal stakeholders across the organisation, advising on a broad range of commercial and governance-heavy matters. It’s a supportive, down-to-earth team environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and practical problem-solving.
The role You’ll manage your own complex commercial and procurement caseload and play a role in supporting other senior lawyers and helping the team operate effectively day to day. The work includes:
- Advising on UK public sector procurement law and strategy
- Drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts, including ICT and construction
- Supporting high-value and high-profile local authority projects
- Advising on governance, local government law and procedure
- Working on matters such as PFI and academy transfers, TUPE, waste and partnership arrangements
- Providing informal supervision and technical guidance to other lawyers
Who this role suits A qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX lawyer Experienced in public sector procurement law Comfortable handling complex commercial matters with minimal supervision Interested in developing leadership skills, even if you haven’t formally managed before Collaborative, pragmatic and confident working with non-legal colleagues
Working arrangements and benefits Hybrid working with high levels of flexibility Local Government Pension Scheme 28.5 days annual leave, rising to 32.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays Family-friendly and flexible working policies Health and wellbeing support Travel and cycle benefits
For more information Contact Nik Stoate at Venn Group nstoate@venngroup.com
Principal Commercial Lawyer employer: Venn Group - Birmingham
Contact Detail:
Venn Group - Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in public sector procurement. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK public sector procurement law. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex commercial matters in the past and how you can bring that experience to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples where you've worked closely with non-legal colleagues. This role values teamwork, so let them know you're all about practical problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public sector procurement law and complex commercial matters. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with non-legal colleagues, it’s important to demonstrate your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams or supported others in previous roles. We love a team player!
Highlight Leadership Potential: Even if you haven’t had formal management experience, we’re keen to see your interest in developing leadership skills. Mention any instances where you’ve taken the initiative or guided others, as this shows your readiness to step up in our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group - Birmingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK public sector procurement law and the specifics of commercial contracts. Familiarise yourself with recent case studies or high-profile projects that relate to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with procurement colleagues and internal stakeholders, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Even if you haven't held a formal management position, think of instances where you've taken the lead on a project or supported others in their work. This could be through mentoring or providing technical guidance, so have those examples ready to share.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
