Commercial Contracts Lawyer/Manager
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Company Description
Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.
We’re an award-winning employer reflecting how our employees are at the very heart of Version 1 and what we do. We’re a core values‑driven company, we hire people who share our values, and we reward those who display and foster them – deeply embedded within our DNA.
* UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
* €350 m+ revenue business
* 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
* Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
* Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW
Job Description
At Version 1, we pride ourselves on being business enablers with our “Easy‑To‑Do‑Business‑With” approach. We view contract review as a collaborative process involving both internal stakeholders across Commercial, Finance, Practice, Compliance and Data Protection functions, and external customers and key suppliers.
We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Commercial Contracts Lawyer or Contracts Manager to help shape and mature the Legal function at Version 1. You’ll be welcomed into a dynamic, flexible, friendly Legal Team which is underpinned by policies, processes and checklists for contract review. We always have each other’s back and have developed effective ways of connecting while working digitally.
This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in commercial contracting, public sector frameworks, subcontractor management, and legal compliance across emerging regulatory landscapes, and who is eager to contribute to the development of a high‑impact legal function.
Key Responsibilities
* Steeped in contract review and have successfully negotiated many commercial contracts in recent years, including contracts with customers, partners and suppliers, and Framework/Call‑Offs
* Lead and support contract negotiations under Public Sector Frameworks
* Advise on subcontractor relationships, including flow‑down of obligations and compliance with prime contract terms
* Competent at reviewing contracts with an eagle‑eye to identify risks and areas that deviate from company policy
* Solutions/business‑minded – adept at keeping stakeholders engaged at all steps of the process and shifting focus to align with business needs
* Experienced, active negotiator who can listen with empathy and drive the right results for Version 1
* Collaborative and effective at escalating policy deviations to the designated approvers and explaining contract risks in plain English
* Skilled in working across functions to develop internal policies, procedures and best practices in relation to contracts
* A trusted advisor to the business who thinks in terms of solutions
Qualifications
* Qualified solicitor (UK or Ireland) or experienced Contracts Manager with commercial contracts training
* Extensive experience in commercial contracts within the IT services sector, but we are open‑minded
* Proven experience working with UK Public Sector Frameworks
* Strong understanding of Subcontractor Agreements and Public Procurement Rules
* Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment
* Strong attention to detail, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels
* Solid grasp of legal and regulatory compliance – particularly GDPR, NIS2, AI Act, and DORA – is desirable but not essential
Benefits & Culture
* Share in our success: excellent base salary of £30,000–£35,000 plus bonus and an equity success scheme
* Inclusive culture – diversity celebrated and committed to an inclusive environment
* Professional growth – peer mentorship programmes and career development opportunities
* Work‑life balance – flexible working arrangements
* Supportive community – a team that values collaboration, respect, and mutual support
* Technology benefits – innovative tech scheme, private medical and life insurance, free eye tests, and contributions towards glasses
* Professional certifications – incentivised certifications and accreditations with AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat
* Profit share scheme – a portion of company profits divided each quarter among employees
#J-18808-Ljbffr