Post title: Senior University Lawyer (Contracts) School or department: Governance, Legal and Compliance Line Manager: Deputy University Secretary Hours: 1 FTE Grade: Spot salary Job purpose The postholder will be responsible for providing high quality legal advice and support to the University with a focus on drafting, advising on and negotiating complex and high value contracts. The postholder will supervise and develop other staff in Legal Services and have the experience and skills to develop the provision of Legal Services to ensure it supports the University’s strategic plans. The postholder will work with senior management and other colleagues in Schools and Professional Services across the University to be the legal lead for projects including significant educational partnerships, income generating grants and contracts and the supply and purchase of services. Main Duties and Responsibilities Provision of flexible, commercially astute and high quality contract review and drafting to support delivery of the University’s objectives in a complex regulatory environment. Working with the Deputy University Secretary to design and deliver a proactive Legal Services function with a culture of teamwork and collaboration. Providing high quality legal advice at all levels within the University including to the University Secretary, University Executive Board and the Board of the Governors. Working collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure there is an effective policy and process for contract review and approval that meets the University’s governance and regulatory requirements. Representing Legal Services at management meetings and on University committees and working groups. Leading on the implementation and delivery of University wide staff development on relevant legal and regulatory compliance matters. Representing the University externally in contract negotiations and in relation to national and sector legal and policy developments relevant to the University. Managing access to and services from external solicitors where required, acting as the gatekeeper to external resources and retaining oversight of the effectiveness of outsourcing. Line management of staff as required and supporting training and development across the team. Attending meetings and deputising for the Deputy University Secretary as required including oversight of, and support to, the wider Legal Services and Corporate Governance team. Undertaking such other legal work as may be required to support the University and its subsidiary companies. Person specification Qualifications and experience Essential Fully qualified solicitor or barrister qualified to practice in England • Sufficient post qualification experience to supervise others in the provision of legal services and evidence of continuing professional development Significant knowledge and experience of drafting, advising on and negotiating complex contracts Experience of supporting and/or managing others in the provision of legal services Sufficient legal knowledge and experience to enable a fast grasp of new and emerging areas of specialism as required by the University’s diverse remit Skills and Knowledge Essential Proven ability to draft and amend high quality contracts and associated legal and policy documents Exemplary written communication skills including the ability to deliver concise and accurate advice Proven ability to influence others to accept a new agenda and to communicate difficult legal and regulatory issues to a wide audience Highly organised and methodical approach to all aspects of work Excellent verbal communication skills Ability to conduct complex negotiations at the highest levels Proven ability to time manage and deliver to tight deadlines Personal Qualities Essential Ability to motivate, manage and support colleagues Ability to identify creative and practical solutions to complex legal and commercial issues Confidence to present and defend advice and explain consequences to the Board and senior management Ability to develop effective working relationships with a range of internal and external contacts Ability to work independently and be responsible for taking decisions Excellent attention to detail