Principal Contracts Lawyer

Reading Borough Council

3mo ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior & Expert Level
Legal
Reading

Requirements

A current practising certificate and be entitled to practice in England as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive
An ability to work to tight deadlines and work well whilst under pressure.
An ability to work effectively as part of a team.
A strong working knowledge of contract and procurement law.
Proven experience with various contractual agreements within a local government context.
Expertise in managing commercial contracts, procurement, information management, IT, technology, construction, intellectual property, public law, and grant agreements.
Experience handling public procurement issues and frameworks.
Familiarity with JCT and NEC contracts.
A demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of senior lawyers, lawyers, and support staff, including paralegals and trainees.

Responsibilities

As the Principal Contracts Lawyer you will have overall responsibility for the allocation, supervision, monitoring, and management of all legal work related to key strategic procurements requiring legal input. This includes overseeing work performed for the council by external legal providers.
You will also be responsible for providing legal input on committee reports and responses to Members' inquiries as directed by the Director of Legal & Democratic Services.
Additionally, you will ensure that Members and Senior Officers are informed of any proposed or actual changes in the external environment that could impact the Council’s legal position.
You will represent the legal services department on various boards, such as procurement and commissioning boards.
You will be part of a dynamic team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability.
As part of Team Reading, you will play your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

FAQs

What is the role of the Principal Contracts Lawyer?

The Principal Contracts Lawyer will have overall responsibility for the allocation, supervision, monitoring, and management of all legal work related to key strategic procurements requiring legal input and will oversee work performed by external legal providers.

Is there an opportunity for flexible working?

Yes, we are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment that includes a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking.

What qualifications are required to apply for this position?

To apply for this role, you must have a current practising certificate and be entitled to practice in England as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executive.

What are the primary areas of expertise required for this role?

Candidates should possess a strong working knowledge of contract and procurement law and proven experience with various contractual agreements within a local government context.

What is the application deadline for this position?

The closing date for applications is 20th October 2024.

Who should I contact for more information about this position?

For more information, please contact Shaidah Ramzan, Legal Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer at [email protected].

What benefits are offered to employees in this role?

Benefits include a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, flexible working opportunities, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and additional benefits such as a season ticket loan and a lease car salary sacrifice scheme.

Is there a specific experience needed with contracts?

Yes, candidates should have expertise in managing commercial contracts, including those related to procurement, IT, technology, construction, public law, and grant agreements.

What is expected in terms of team management?

The role requires a demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team of senior lawyers, lawyers, support staff, and trainees.

Will the Principal Contracts Lawyer represent the legal services department on any boards?

Yes, the Principal Contracts Lawyer will represent the legal services department on various boards, such as procurement and commissioning boards.

Reading Borough Council

Working better with you

Government

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

Reading Borough Council - providing services for residents of Reading Borough. One of the fastest growing towns in the UK, Reading’s forward momentum is remarkable. Transport connections are excellent with exceptional access to Heathrow, central London and beyond. Around an already thriving retail heart, our new Abbey business quarter has opened up a hidden heritage gem in the middle of Reading, and we’re committed to enhancing our cultural infrastructure. We’ve the 7th highest employment rate in the UK, the working population is the 6th most well-educated, and the average weekly salary is 18% above the national average. Extensive new housing of all tenures (including through our own housing company), and a flourishing university complete the picture for inward investors. We’re proud that the Council, through our Team Reading approach, is driving much of this transformation. We are determined to ensure that our growth is good growth: low carbon, sustainable and - most important of all - to the benefit of local people.