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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on complex commercial contracts and mentor junior lawyers.
- Company: Join a modern legal service for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, flexible hours, generous leave, and a secure pension.
- Why this job: Shape transformative projects while influencing strategic decisions in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant contract experience.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting pipeline including £10m housing investment and decarbonisation projects.
The predicted salary is between 52400 - 57000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an accomplished commercial contracts lawyer to take the reins as Principal Commercial Lawyer, a senior role at the heart of major procurement and regeneration initiatives across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. This is your chance to shape the legal direction of transformative projects while mentoring junior colleagues and influencing strategic decisions at the highest levels.
Why Join
- True Flexibility: This is a contractually remote role. Work where you want, how you want, with full IT support and a mature, trust-based culture.
Major Contracts: Lead on complex commercial contracts, spanning waste services, vehicle fleets, solar infrastructure, and insurance portfolios.
Strong Support: With a strong administrative team, you will be able to focus where your skills have the most value.
Strategic Influence: Be involved from day one on procurement planning and contract design. You’ll work alongside senior officers to embed legal excellence from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts and projects.
- Advise departments including procurement, property, and regeneration.
- Draft and approve contract suites across construction, consultancy, ICT and more.
- Support major redevelopment and social housing investment projects.
- Supervise two qualified lawyers; support admin staff and mentor future legal talent.
- Advise elected members and committees on key legal issues and governance.
What You’ll Bring
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (with practising certificate).
- Significant experience in contracts and procurement, ideally within local government.
- Confidence managing complex, high-value matters with minimal supervision.
- Collaborative and strategic approach to leadership and client relationships.
- Commitment to delivering excellent public service legal advice.
The Package
- Remote Working: Contractually remote, fully enabled with case management system.
- Annualised Hours: Average 37 hours/week with flexibility on how you schedule them.
- Generous Leave: 25 days (rising to 30) + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown.
- Continuous Service Recognition: Your existing public sector service counts towards leave.
- Secure Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Well-Resourced: Admin support means more time for legal work, less time on paperwork.
- Exciting Pipeline: From £10m housing investment to decarbonisation and fleet procurement.
We are the shared legal service for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. With an ambitious vision and a growing reputation, we’re modernising how in-house legal teams operate. We value professional excellence, trust, flexibility, and impact; and we support each other to deliver it. We’re entering a new phase and we’re looking for a Principal Lawyer who can help lead the way.
Apply now to be at the forefront of public sector contract law, helping shape communities and services for years to come. To apply or find out more, contact our recruitment partner Venn Group.
Principal Commercial Lawyer employer: Venn Group
Contact Detail:
Venn Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks and procurement processes relevant to local government. Understanding the nuances of public sector contracts will give you an edge in discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in local government or similar roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the challenges they face and the skills that are most valued, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading complex negotiations and managing high-value contracts. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic influence and collaborative leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to public service and community impact during your interactions. Highlighting your passion for delivering excellent legal advice in a public sector context can resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial contracts and procurement, especially within local government. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex, high-value matters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your commitment to delivering excellent public service legal advice and your collaborative approach to leadership.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience leading on drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts. Highlight any mentoring roles you've had, as this is a key aspect of the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a legal role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Commercial Lawyer, it's crucial to demonstrate your extensive knowledge in commercial contracts and procurement. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully managed complex contracts, highlighting your strategic influence and leadership skills.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked with various departments or stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve mentored junior colleagues and contributed to team success, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils' goals and recent projects. Showing that you understand their vision and how you can contribute to it will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, particularly in relation to public service legal advice.
