Legal Advisor - Contracts in Manchester

Within this role you will work closely with the Planning and Consents business to support the growth of the business while advising on the legal and commercial risks associated with working on projects of a varied nature. This will include advising on contractual and commercial risk predominantly in relation to professional services consultancy contracts through the provision of commercially oriented and solution‑focused legal advice with support and supervision from senior members of the Legal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Planning and Consents business teams to support the growth of the business line while embedding a culture of contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
• Reviewing and negotiating contractual documentation relevant to the Planning and Consents sector, including professional services consultancy agreements, project contracts, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non‑disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and sub‑consultancy agreements.
• Providing pragmatic legal advice and carrying out contract reviews with the aim of minimising any impact on WSP’s risk profile and proactively seeking the timely conclusion of contract negotiations.
• Ensuring that corporate governance is maintained in relation to contract reviews and approvals given to bid for work or to enter into contracts.
• Providing advice and guidance on the tender process and bid documentation to identify and address risk.
• Supporting and advising the business in the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue and minimise risk and support effective contract management.
• Liaising with internal business disciplines, bid teams, commercial and operations directors and other support functions including the finance team.
• Updating the business on relevant legal developments within the construction development related space including from time to time delivering legal training.
• Contributing to the organisation and dissemination of legal know‑how and training within the business and the Legal team and contributing to the provision of lessons learned feedback to the wider business.
• A team player who works collaboratively with colleagues at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• Solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualified in England & Wales, with relevant post‑qualification experience of reviewing and advising on a wide range of contractual matters within the engineering and construction sector.
• Experience of being in‑house at an engineering consultancy or a contractor is preferable; experience of complex contracting arrangements including joint ventures is also desirable.
• Education to degree level or equivalent.
• Construction sector experience or interest.
• Confidence in managing day‑to‑day tasks under supervision, contributing expertise to the legal team.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
• Ability to work without supervision under pressure and meet deadlines, and to seek assistance or advice when required.
• Proactive approach with ability to prioritise between competing business demands.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Previous in‑house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferred.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.