Job Description
What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?
At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life.
A little more about your role…
Within this role you will work closely with the Property & Buildings business to support the growth of the business while advising on the legal and commercial risks associated with working on projects of a varied nature. This will include advising on contractual and commercial risk predominantly in relation to professional services consultancy contracts through the provision of commercially oriented and solution‑focused legal advice with support and supervision from senior members of the Legal team.
An ability to understand and be able to advise on a wider range of construction, design and engineering related matters, contracting arrangements and contractual issues would be helpful to this role. Experience of working in, or an interest in the construction, development or engineering sectors would be advantageous.
The role requires a self‑starter who is confident seeking help when required and confident working with senior internal stakeholders as well as external parties including clients, sub‑consultants and their representatives.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the Property and Buildings business teams to support the growth of the business line while embedding a culture of contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
Reviewing and negotiating contractual documentation relevant to the Property and Buildings sector, including professional services consultancy agreements (bespoke and industry standard forms), project contracts, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non‑disclosure agreements, letters of intent and sub‑consultancy agreements. Knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022 would also be desirable.
Providing pragmatic legal advice and carrying out contract reviews with the aim of minimising any impact on WSP’s risk profile and proactively seeking the timely conclusion of contract negotiations.
Ensuring that corporate governance is maintained in relation to contract reviews and approvals given to bid for work or to enter into contracts.
Providing advice and guidance on the tender process and bid documentation to identify and address risk.
Supporting and advising the business in the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue and minimise risk and support effective contract management.
Liaising with internal business disciplines, bid teams, commercial and operations directors and other support functions including the finance team.
Updating the business on relevant legal developments within the construction and development related space, including from time to time delivering legal training.
Contributing to the organisation and dissemination of legal know‑how and training within the business and the Legal team and contributing to the provision of lessons learned feedback to the wider business.
A team player who works collaboratively with colleagues at all times.
What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…
The successful candidate will be a solicitor, barrister or equivalent qualified in England & Wales, with relevant post‑qualification experience of reviewing and advising on a wide range of contractual matters within the engineering and construction sector. Experience of being in‑house at an engineering consultancy or a contractor is preferable. Experience of complex contracting arrangements including joint ventures is also desirable.
The successful candidate will have the experience and competence to work autonomously whilst feeding their knowledge and experience into the wider legal team.
In addition to the above, the successful candidate must also be able to demonstrate:
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
* Construction sector experience or interest
* Confidently manages day‑to‑day tasks under supervision, contributing their developing expertise to the legal team
* Excellent communication skills, written and oral
* The ability to work without supervision under pressure and meet deadlines and to seek assistance/advice when required
* A proactive approach with the ability to prioritise between competing business demands
* Strong inter‑personal and collaborative skills
* Previous in‑house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferred
Benefits
It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends and interests.
Our hybrid working policy offers flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
We are committed to supporting our people through the Thrive programme, the Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, the Gymflex scheme and a comprehensive menopause support package.
To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
We also provide opportunities for growth and training, including mentoring and chartership.
EEO Statement
Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.
Locations
Guildford, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol.
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