Overview
Job reference: GOVN005419
Application closing date: 02/11/2025
Location: York, England
Salary: Grade 11 Level 1 - 4 (£50,620 - £57,611 pa)
Package: Hybrid
Contractual: hours 37
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: Legal Services
Role
Senior Lawyer - Contracts & Commercial, L3. The City of York Council seeks an experienced, ambitious and innovative solicitor, barrister or CILEX with contracts & commercial experience to join the legal services team. The role is based in the contracts & commercial team, supporting the Council’s major projects teams on multi-disciplined, high-profile projects and on a wide range of contractual and commercial matters.
The role will support projects such as York Station Gateway, York Outer Ring Road (YORR Haxby Road), and York Castle Gateway Masterplan, along with other redevelopment initiatives in York. You will work on day-to-day commercial work as well as complex and high-value project work and be at the forefront of changes as the Council implements its new Plan.
You may have built your career in the public sector, but applications are welcome from candidates who have not previously worked in local government law, those seeking a career change, or those returning to work after a break.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert legal advice on contracts and commercial matters, including complex and high-value project work.
* Support the Council’s major projects teams and contribute to multi-disciplinary redevelopment initiatives.
* Draft, negotiate and manage contracts and related documentation; advise on risk, compliance, and governance issues.
* Collaborate with other legal service colleagues to deliver integrated legal support and strategic advice.
* Contribute to delivering the new Council Plan and keep abreast of policy developments affecting public sector contracts.
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor or barrister, or CILEX member, with contracts & commercial experience.
* Experience in public sector or local government work is welcome but not required.
* Ability to work in a busy environment, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Our Offer
* Flexi-time, term-time only, job sharing and part-time working options
* 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous local government service
* An additional 5 days paid leave for foster carers
* Access to the local government pension scheme and optional AVC scheme
* Family-friendly policies including dependant care, maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave
* Employee wellbeing scheme and assistance programme including counselling and financial guidance
* Staff benefits platform with discounts and salary sacrifice options
* Access to discounted travel tickets, health plan, and learning opportunities
* Staff lottery and employee recognition programmes
This role is suitable as a job-share opportunity.
Additional information
This post is deemed politically restricted. As designated politically restricted officers, employees will not be allowed to undertake certain activities. Please refer to the guidance for details.
Hybrid working arrangements are available. Your working arrangements will be based on the role’s requirements and discussed during recruitment. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.
Please note: there is no sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK for this role.
The Council offers a generous annual leave allowance, Local Government Pension Scheme, wellbeing initiatives and a comprehensive rewards package, with opportunities for flexible working, community engagement, volunteering, and continuing learning & development.
For further information or an informal discussion please contact Dan Moynihan at dan.moynihan@york.gov.uk or on 01904 554143.
Closing date: Sunday 2 November 2025 at 12 midnight
Interview date: w/c 10 November 2025
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