Legal Counsel, Central Europe in Manchester

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives and experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

As Legal Counsel, you will report to the Regional Legal Counsel for Northern Europe and work with the wider Central Europe legal team to support the strategic objectives of WSP. You will be based in the United Kingdom and will be responsible for ensuring client contracts are reviewed and risks are managed, including implementing training, policies and procedures within the business.

A Little More About Your Role...

• Review, draft and negotiate legal documents between WSP and its clients and suppliers, including professional services agreements, reliance letters, framework agreements and warranties.
• Provide legal advice and support to the WSP business.
• Maintain WSP standard terms and conditions for use with clients and suppliers wherever possible.
• Support the business to manage claims and disputes, collating documentation, working with the business to articulate facts and circumstances and liaising with the wider Central European legal team to notify claims to professional indemnity insurers.
• Implement policies and procedures around client contract review, signature etc.
• Provide advice, support and training to the business to ensure compliance with WSP’s processes and policies including the Risk Grading Tool and the Delegation of Authority policy.
• Ensure WSP complies with national as well as local statutes and regulations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders within WSP across Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Insurance, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Communications and Finance functions.
• Prepare and submit reports on key metrics and initiatives.
• Manage and deliver training to upskill the business to be able to better understand contractual risks.
• Minimize and manage reliance on external legal counsel, where necessary utilising agreed protocols and managing agreed budgets to minimise and control costs.
• Support the implementation of WSP’s strategy in Central Europe.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate...

• Qualified solicitor (or an equivalent qualification) with demonstrable Post Qualification Experience.
• Experience of working in a large multi‑national corporate environment balancing local requirements with considerations relevant to a large international company.
• Fluency in German and English is essential.
• Experience within an in‑house legal team implementing policies and procedures.
• Good knowledge of contract law and experience negotiating contracts with clients and vendors, including with outside counsels representing them.
• Demonstrable track record of providing commercial, pragmatic and high‑quality legal advice.
• Exceptional communication skills for this collaborative and interactive environment, including working at distance from other team members.
• Ability to explain complex and sometimes challenging issues in simple ways.
• Strong interpersonal skills, resourcefulness and an ability to participate in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Experience of working in the built and natural environment sector a plus.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share their passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in it for you?

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP 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.