Senior Legal Counsel & Director of Legal
Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Part‑time
Job Function
Legal
Industries
Professional Services
Job Description
WSP is recruiting an experienced solicitor to support the Earth & Environment businesses in its highest growth markets, including environmental services, mining, and other earth‑related services. The role involves managing legal and commercial risks in engineering and construction projects, providing commercially focused legal advice, and ensuring corporate governance around contractual matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Work closely with Earth and Environment business teams to embed contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
* Review and negotiate contractual documentation relevant to the earth, mining and environment sectors, including consultancy agreements, project contracts, joint venture and teaming agreements, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non‑disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and sub‑consultancy agreements.
* Carry out legal reviews to minimize impact on WSP’s working capital and proactively seek timely conclusion of contract negotiations.
* Ensure corporate governance is maintained in relation to contract reviews and approvals for bids and contractual engagements.
* Provide advice and guidance on the tender process and bid documentation to identify and address risk and promote competition.
* Support and advise the business during the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue, minimise risk, and support effective contract management.
* Liaise with internal business disciplines, bid teams, commercial and operations directors, and other support functions including finance.
* Update the business on relevant legal developments within the environmental and earth‑related space, including occasional legal training.
* Contribute to the organisation and dissemination of legal 'know‑how' within the WSP UK Legal team and feed 'lessons learned' back to the wider business.
* Collaborate as a team player with colleagues at all times.
Qualifications & Experience
* Educated to degree level or equivalent.
* Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to work autonomously, under pressure, and meet deadlines.
* Proactive approach with the ability to prioritise competing business demands.
* Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate
* Solely a solicitor qualified in England & Wales, with relevant post‑qualification experience reviewing and advising on contractual matters within engineering and construction.
* Experience of in‑house work at an engineering consultancy or contractor preferred.
* Experience with complex contracting arrangements, including joint ventures, is desirable.
Benefits
Work‑life balance: Hybrid working policy allows two days a week from home, with modern offices across the UK.
Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and encourage a culture of belonging and respect.
Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
Flex your time: “WSP My Hour” lets you take one hour each day for personal activities, with flexibility to make up time. We also offer part‑time and flexible working arrangements, additional leave options, and bank holiday usage.
Your development: Training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities support your growth.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact.
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with 72,800 passionate people united by the purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts through innovation, integrity and inclusion.
Apply today.
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.
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