Contracts and procurement solicitor

Allen Lane are supporting Mid-Sussex District Council in their recruitment for a Contracts and Procurement Solicitor to join their team on a permanent basis.

Contracts and Procurement Specialist who will provide legal advice, representation, and assistance across the Council to Members and staff colleagues as well as at public meetings where required.

Understand the role of Legal Services and contribute to the delivery of the Legal Team’s Service Plan and the Council’s Corporate Plan.

Contribute to the delivery of a high quality and cost-effective legal service.

General Accountabilities:

• Be a trusted adviser to Members and colleagues in all specialist knowledge areas, and at all levels of the organisation.
• Proactively manage an ongoing legal caseload, maintaining accurate and organised records of contracts, correspondence and legal documents.
• Undertake continuing professional development as required and maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all relevant legislation, guidance, and case law.
• Ensure good governance.
• Work with and support other members of the legal and governance team.
• Exhibit the highest professional work standards and a capacity to develop skills and knowledge.
• Attend statutory meetings as required.

Specific Accountabilities:

Trusted adviser to all Officers on a wide range of contract and procurement matters including:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of contracts, including but not limited to Service Level Agreements, Funding Agreements, Inter-Authority Agreements, JCT and NEC construction contracts and Framework Agreements, to ensure they meet legal regulatory and Council policy/interests, obtain best value and quality for the Council and its residents.
• Ensuring contracts and procurement activities and processes adhere to relevant laws, regulations and Council policy/interests, assessing risk and developing strategies to mitigate risk.
• Providing legal guidance during the procurement process, helping officers to make informed decisions and avoid legal pitfalls.
• Staying up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations and conducting legal research to provide accurate advice and guidance to officers.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with everyone in the Legal Services team, across the Council at varying levels of seniority, the Council’s Shared Procurement Service, and with other contracts and procurement solicitors in other collaborative local authorities.
• Working with the Council’s Data Protection Officer to ensure the correct data protection mitigations and provisions are contained within contract documentation.
• Assisting in provision of advice on subsidy control.

This is part time working (3-4 days a week)

Grade 6 Local Government

£45,091 - £50,269 per annum pro rata

Local Government pension scheme

34 days annual leave