Solicitor – Contracts and Procurement Specialist
CV-LibraryHaywards Heath, West SussexcontractPosted: 10 March 2026
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Department: Legal Services
Reporting to: Principal Solicitor – Non-Contentious
Location: Council Offices / Hybrid – 1 day in office per week
Role Overview
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive to join our Legal Services team as a Contracts and Procurement Specialist. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice on a wide range of contractual and procurement matters, supporting officers and elected members across the Council.
You will play a key role in ensuring the Council’s contracts and procurement processes comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and internal policies, while protecting the Council’s interests and delivering value for residents.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide legal advice to officers and members on contracts and procurement matters.
* Draft, review and negotiate a range of agreements including service level agreements, funding agreements, inter-authority agreements, framework agreements, and construction contracts (JCT/NEC).
* Support officers throughout the procurement process, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice.
* Identify legal risks in contracts and procurement activities and provide practical solutions to mitigate them.
* Maintain accurate records and manage an active legal caseload.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, Procurement, and other Council departments.
* Support good governance and attend committee or statutory meetings where required.
* Work with the Data Protection Officer to ensure appropriate data protection provisions are included in contracts.
About You
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
* Experience advising on contracts and procurement matters within a legal team or practice.
* Strong drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
* Ability to manage workload independently and provide clear, practical advice.
* Experience within local government or the public sector is desirable
Department: Legal Services
Reporting to: Principal Solicitor – Non-Contentious
Location: Council Offices / Hybrid – 1 day in office per week
Role Overview
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive to join our Legal Services team as a Contracts and Procurement Specialist. The successful candidate will provide high-quality legal advice on a wide range of contractual and procurement matters, supporting officers and elected members across the Council.
You will play a key role in ensuring the Council’s contracts and procurement processes comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and internal policies, while protecting the Council’s interests and delivering value for residents.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide legal advice to officers and members on contracts and procurement matters.
* Draft, review and negotiate a range of agreements including service level agreements, funding agreements, inter-authority agreements, framework agreements, and construction contracts (JCT/NEC).
* Support officers throughout the procurement process, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice.
* Identify legal risks in contracts and procurement activities and provide practical solutions to mitigate them.
* Maintain accurate records and manage an active legal caseload.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across Legal Services, Procurement, and other Council departments.
* Support good governance and attend committee or statutory meetings where required.
* Work with the Data Protection Officer to ensure appropriate data protection provisions are included in contracts.
About You
* Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
* Experience advising on contracts and procurement matters within a legal team or practice.
* Strong drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
* Ability to manage workload independently and provide clear, practical advice.
* Experience within local government or the public sector is desirable