Senior Contracts Lawyer (Construction & Public Sector)
Location: Dagenham (Hybrid working arrangements)
Day Rate: 60 - 70 per hour Umbrella
Duration: 6 months initially with scope for extension
We are seeking an experienced senior Commercial Lawyer to join our client's legal team, with a particular focus on commercial contracts, construction matters and public sector projects. The role will involve advising on high value and strategically important commercial and infrastructure matters across a broad range of services and stakeholders.
This is a senior position suited to a commercial minded lawyer who is confident operating autonomously, managing risk pragmatically and supporting senior leadership on complex legal and contractual issues.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leading on advising internal stakeholders, drafting, negotiation and management of commercial contracts, construction contracts and public sector agreements
* Advising on construction and infrastructure projects, including procurement strategy, contract structuring and delivery risk.
* Drafting and negotiating industry-standard construction documentation including JCT, NEC, professional appointments, collateral warranties, framework agreements and consultant appointments.
* Advising on contentious and non-contentious construction matters including delay, extensions of time, defects, payment disputes, contract interpretation and variation issues.
* Providing legal advice on public procurement matters, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public law requirements.
* Supporting procurement exercises, framework arrangements, direct awards and contract modifications.
* Developing and improving legal templates, governance processes and contract management practices.
* Supporting corporate governance and compliance activities across the organisation.
* Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and legal staff where appropriate.
Essential Experience and Skills:
* Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent common law qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience.
* Strong commercial contracts background.
* Significant experience in construction law and infrastructure projects.
* Strong understanding of public sector contracting and procurement law.
* Experience drafting and negotiating JCT and/or NEC contracts.
* Experience advising public bodies, utilities, local authorities, housing organisations or regulated industries.
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Ability to provide commercially pragmatic and solutions-focused advice.
* Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong technical drafting ability and attention to detail.
Desirable Experience
* Experience advising on energy, utilities, regeneration or infrastructure projects.
* In‑house legal experience.
* Experience managing disputes and claims arising from construction projects.
* Familiarity with subsidy control, governance and regulatory compliance.
* Experience supervising junior lawyers or managing legal teams.
Personal Attributes
* Commercially astute and pragmatic.
* Confident decision‑maker.
* Strong interpersonal skills.
* Organised and capable of managing competing priorities.
* Able to balance legal risk with operational realities.
* Collaborative but capable of challenging where necessary.
Salary and Benefits
* 60 - 70 per hour Umbrella
* Hybrid/flexible working.
* Opportunity to work in a complex and high‑profile projects.
* Senior leadership exposure and progression opportunities.
The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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