Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £53,051–£58,358 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of Kirklees Council for an experienced Principal Lawyer specialising in Contracts and Commercial Law to join their Legal Services team on a permanent basis.
This is an opportunity for a senior legal professional to advise on complex commercial agreements, corporate arrangements and public sector projects, helping the Council deliver essential services and achieve its strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will provide high-level legal advice to senior officers and elected members, manage complex commercial matters and support the development of the Contracts and Commercial team.
The Council offers hybrid working, with office attendance generally based around a minimum of two days per month where appropriate, subject to business needs and the requirements of the role.
Provide specialist legal advice on commercial contracts, procurement, company law, partnerships, joint ventures and related matters.
Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including construction, IT and service contracts.
Advise on PFI/PPP arrangements, TUPE, information law and other relevant commercial matters.
Support significant commercial projects, corporate arrangements and strategic partnerships.
Manage a personal caseload of complex, sensitive and high-profile legal matters.
Provide legal advice to senior officers, elected members, Cabinet and committees.
Supervise, mentor and support members of the Contracts and Commercial team.
Oversee commercial disputes and instruct external Counsel where necessary.
Prepare reports, provide training and advise on relevant legal developments.
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (fully qualified practising Fellow of CILEx), or proven equivalent practical experience as specified in the job description.
Substantial recent senior-level experience in at least one of the following:
Local Government Law and Procedure
Company Law, Joint Ventures or Partnerships
PFI/PPP arrangements or Academy Conversions
Commercial Law, including TUPE, intellectual property or construction law
Information Law
Strong commercial drafting, negotiation and legal advisory skills.
Experience supervising or managing staff, or the ability to do so.
Ability to manage complex legal matters independently and provide practical, commercially aware advice.
Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Understanding of the legal and operational issues facing local government.
Applicants from private practice, commercial organisations and other relevant legal backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Previous local government experience is advantageous but not essential.
Local Government Pension Scheme (defined-benefit pension).
28.5 days’ annual leave, rising to 33.5 days after five years, plus bank holidays.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, subject to service requirements.
Support with professional practising certificate fees, subject to Council policy.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and family leave arrangements.
Professional development, coaching and training opportunities.
Employee healthcare, wellbeing support and staff discount schemes.
If you are an experienced Commercial or Contracts Lawyer seeking a senior permanent opportunity within local government, please submit your up-to-date CV to Red Snapper Recruitment for consideration.
As part of your application, you may be presented with the opportunity to complete a short pre-interview screening at a time that's convenient for you. It's available 24/7, allowing you to fast-track your application without having to wait for office hours.
Once you've completed your screening, one of our specialist recruitment consultants will personally review your application and, if you're shortlisted, will contact you to arrange the next stage of the interview process.
Flexible. Convenient. Reviewed by specialist recruiters.