Job Description
Principal Commercial Lawyer
£62,445 - £67,884 | Fully Remote (contractually) | Annualised Hours
We’re looking for an accomplished commercial contracts lawyer to take the reins as Principal Commercial Lawyer, a senior role at the heart of major procurement and regeneration initiatives across South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.
This is your chance to shape the legal direction of transformative projects while mentoring junior colleagues and influencing strategic decisions at the highest levels.
Why Join
True Flexibility, This is a contractually remote role. Work where you want, how you want, with full IT support and a mature, trust-based culture.
Major Contracts Lead on complex commercial contracts, spanning waste services, vehicle fleets, solar infrastructure, and insurance portfolios.
Strong Support With a strong administrative team, you will be able to focus where your skills have the most value.
Strategic Influence Be involved from day one on procurement planning and contract design. You’ll work alongside senior officers to embed legal excellence from the outset.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead on drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts and projects.
• Advise departments including procurement, property, and regeneration.
• Draft and approve contract suites across construction, consultancy, ICT and more.
• Support major redevelopment and social housing investment projects.
• Supervise two qualified lawyers; support admin staff and mentor future legal talent.
• Advise elected members and committees on key legal issues and governance.
What You’ll Bring
Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (with practising certificate)
Significant experience in contracts and procurement, ideally within local government
Confidence managing complex, high-value matters with minimal supervision
Collaborative and strategic approach to leadership and client relationships
Commitment to delivering excellent public service legal advice
The Package
Remote Working: Contractually remote, fully enabled with case management system
Annualised Hours: Average 37 hours/week with flexibility on how you schedule them
Generous Leave: 25 days (rising to 30) + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
Continuous Service Recognition: Your existing public sector service counts towards leave
Secure Pension: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Well-Resourced: Admin support means more time for legal work, less time on paperwork
Exciting Pipeline: From £10m housing investment to decarbonisation and fleet procurement
About Us
We are the shared legal service for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. With an ambitious vision and a growing reputation, we’re modernising how in-house legal teams operate. We value professional excellence, trust, flexibility, and impact; and we support each other to deliver it. We’re entering a new phase and we’re looking for a Principal Lawyer who can help lead the way.
Apply today
Apply now to be at the forefront of public sector contract law, helping shape communities and services for years to come. To apply or find out more, contact our recruitment partner Venn Group