Senior Commercial Contracts and Procurement Solicitor

Job DescriptionDescriptionWe would like someone with:LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW i.e.. Commercial Contracts & Procurement Lawyer.My team does not require childcare, property, litigation or banking lawyers.Our ambitionWe're determined to make Islington fairer. To create a place where everyone, whatever their background, has the opportunity to reach their potential and enjoy a good quality of life.We also have an ambitious goal to be the best council in the country with every employee clear about the part they play and inspired, focused and supported to give their very best.We want to build an organisation where employees feel valued, inspired and empowered to help us achieve our goals and provide the best services possible to our residents.Our values and behavioursBe Islington is about setting a clear challenge about what it means to be an client employee and sets the standard for every new recruit.We ask our employees to Be Islington playing their part in working together for a fairer borough and to always be collaborative, be ambitious, be resourceful, and be empowering (CARE).Our commitment to challenging inequalityWe are committed to tackling inequality, racism and injustice and creating a fairer borough for all. In order to do this, we need to set the example by being a fair employer and creating a workplace environment, which is free from discrimination, racism and inequality. Our approach needs to be proactive, consistently learning to create a fairer workplace and foster a culture, which empowers all staff to challenge inequality.Fairness is at the heart of what we do. We want to celebrate and embrace our differences by:Ensuring our workforce is representative of the people we work on behalf of, our residentsCreating equitable working environments and diverse teamsUnderstanding our residents in order to design and deliver services that help tackle inequality and improve life chances for our residentsGetting to know people and their differencesInterpreting issues and concerns from a cultural perspective and address situations or problems from the points-of-view of multiple culturesSupporting people with long-term health conditions and/or disabilitiesRecognising the value of flexible working to support staff where possibleKey responsibilitiesTo assist the Chief Contracts Lawyer in planning, co-ordinating and undertaking the legal work in support of the Councils functions relating to contracts, procurement, economic regeneration, companies and other functions assigned from time to time by the Chief Contracts Lawyer.To be responsible for managing and ensuring the development of a Contracts Lawyer and to allocate work to that person as appropriate.To undertake a substantial personal caseload of the most complex contract work including the provision of legal advice and drafting, negotiation and agreeing of complex documentation for all types of contracts and commercial transactions and, as required, legal documentation for other transactions.To investigate and give initial advice on contract claims by or against the Council including those arising out of building contracts.To act as a Client Officer in respect of any procurement related legal work which may be carried out by an external service provider.To maintain an up-to-date comprehensive knowledge of developments in the relevant areas of law and disseminate that information and any implications for the Council to relevant Senior Council Managers and members of the Team, including preparing and presenting briefing papers and reports as required and delivering training.To draft reports for, and to comment on and prepare legal implications for reports to, Council its committees and sub committees, the Executive and other member and officer level meetings and to attend such meetings as the representative of the Head of Law as required.To ensure that relevant decisions of the Council and its committees and the Executive are implemented, in the context of any legal constraints, in an efficient and timely manner.To assist with litigation, advice, and general work of Legal Services as required.To meet the chargeable hours target for the post and to ensure that the Contracts Section meets the agreed performance and quality standards as fixed by the Legal Services Management Team.To assist the Chief Contracts Lawyer in developing effective procedures and reporting mechanisms on the performance of the Contract Section.To work in a corporate and co-operative way both within the Team and within Legal Services and with other Council Officers and members.To deputise for the Chief Contracts Lawyer where necessary.To undertake other duties commensurate to the grade of the post.ADDITIONAL:To use and assist others in the use of information technology systems to carry out duties in the most efficient and effective manner.To achieve agreed service outcomes and outputs, and personal appraisal targets,as agreed by the line manager.To undertake training and constructively take part in meetings, supervision, seminars and other events designed to improve communication and assist with the effective development of the post and post holder.The post holder is expected to be committed to the Councils core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way they carry out their duties.Ensure all the services within the area(s) of responsibility are provided in accordance with the Council's commitment to high quality service provision to users.Ensure that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.Carry out duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Councils Health and Safety Policy and relevant Health and Safety legislation.At all times carrying out responsibilities/duties within the framework of the Council's Dignity for all Policy. (Equal Opportunities Policy).LeadershipAs a member of the councils management team, to contribute proactively to the collective leadership for the council, working collaboratively with Members, services across the council, partners and stakeholders to deliver the councils objectives and priorities.To drive positive cultural change, embodying and promoting the values and behaviours of the council and empowering staff to reach their full potential. Ensure that the performance and development framework is effective for all staff.To lead on and ensure the effective implementation of corporate initiatives and transformation programmes that cut across the whole or part of the councils activities.Resources and Financial managementEnsure effective Financial Management, cost controls and income maximisation in an ever changing environment, fluctuating demands and priorities. Ensure resources are well managed and effectively deployed to the best possible effects assuring value for money in all activities.ComplianceEnsure legal, regulatory and policy compliance under GDPR, Health and Safety and in area of your specialism identifying opportunities and risks and escalating where appropriate.Work styleFlexible/Office-BasedQualificationsQualified to practice as solicitor or barrister in England (or comparable jurisdiction) or FILEX qualificationExperienceSubstantial post qualification experience in the legal profession proven post qualification experience in the contract area or exceptional experience over a shorter periodSkillsDemonstrate a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply contract law (including building contract law), commercial law, tort and public procurement law.Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contract and procurement practices and processesAbility to draft and negotiate complex contract documentationAbility to review and advise on new legislation, case law and other developments and to make consequential changes to precedent documentsAbility to communicate and present legal and other matters clearly and cogently both verbally and in writingAbility to use information technology for the purpose of casework and the provision of performance informationAbility to manage, supervise and ensure the development of a Contracts LawyerAbility to work as part of a TeamAbility to assist the Chief Contracts Lawyer with the development and implementation of procedures, practices and systems for the provision of an effective legal contract serviceAbility to deliver services and to carry out supervisory duties within the framework of the Councils Dignity for All Policy

Created: 2025-06-28