Reference: APR20269615
Expiry date: 22:59, Sun, 19th Jul 2026
Location: Flexible
Benefits: Pension, 25 days annual leave, life assurance
Role
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Principal Commercial Solicitor to lead on commercial legal cases for the Trust to enable us to operate in a compliant and effective manner.
- Lead the effective delivery of a varied caseload including commercial sponsorship, procurement, collaboration and intellectual property cases.
- Lead the Trust's team of commercial lawyers providing support and training where required.
- Provide pragmatic, considered and informed legal advice.
- Research areas of law to provide considered solutions in new contexts.
- Monitor and manage engagement with external solicitors and oversee VFM delivery.
- Understand and advise on legal risk to enable effective decision making within the organisation.
- Create bespoke documentation to produce appropriate agreements.
- This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once every two months on average.
Candidate
- Experience in contract, regulatory or intellectual property cases.
- Experience in data protection law and practice with the ability to advise senior stakeholders on complex legal issues.
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to persuade and reason effectively.
- Experience leading on complex contractual matters with the ability to draft and negotiate significant contracts.
- Knowledge about contract law.
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge on charity and other regulatory law in practice alongside charity legal compliance.
- Experience advising stakeholders on complex property legal issues.
- Qualified solicitor with a valid practising certificate.
Benefits and Wellbeing
- Enhanced Employer Pension
- Life Assurance
- Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
- Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part‑time)
- Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
Diversity and Inclusion
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under‑represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
