Procurement and Contracts Team Leader

Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Procurement and Contracts Team Leader

£50,998 to £55,224
inclusive annual salary + Market Supplement (up to £5k depending on experience) + L
ocal Government Pension Scheme (Pay Award Pending)

Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)

Flexible working options (including hybrid)

Job : P2495

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement & Contracts Solicitor in the Legal Shared Service Procurement and Contracts Team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated legal professional who enjoys combining leadership, collaboration and technical expertise to make a genuine difference within local government.

This pivotal role will predominantly:

• Lead, inspire, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts Team, while contributing to the ongoing success and improvement of the Legal Shared Service.
• Ensure the delivery of proactive, robust, high quality professional and specialist legal advice on procurement and contractual legal matters, identifying risks and delivering practical, commercially aware solutions.
• Ensure client requirements are met within legal constraints.

In addition, the postholder will support the achievement of the Council’s corporate plan, projects and aims and ensure the delivery of high-quality customer service from the in-house team, external solicitors and from counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team and contribute to the development of the Legal Shared Service, generally.
• Lead on complex legal matters, identifying potential areas of risk and liability and advising on solution focused strategies.
• Ensure Legal Shared Services provides proactive, pragmatic, robust and solution focused advice and a support service to all clients (internal and external).
• Research, analyse, investigate and provide legal advice to councillors and to officers on any matter within the functions of the Council.
• Attend Member and Officer meetings as required, including meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees to ensure that decisions are lawful.

About you

We’re seeking a confident qualified legal professional with:

• Legal expertise and experience in contracts law and local government procurement.
• Proven track record in managing a legal team.
• Strong interpersonal and client management skills.
• A collaborative approach to working across Councils and teams.

You will possess strong technical expertise, complemented by exceptional leadership, communication and relationship-building skills. You will be committed to developing and motivating high-performing teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture, delivering excellent customer service, and providing practical, value-focused legal solutions that support the Council’s priorities and deliver positive outcomes for our communities.

Join us to make a positive impact in our community by putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do, while living our values of trust, care, collaboration, confidence and customer focus.

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history which can be seen in the Roman remains and variety of beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt, off the M25, A1M and M1, the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages. Our centrally located offices in the city are near to the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants.

In short, it is a great place to live and work.

In addition to working within a great team and a comprehensive salary you will have access to:

• 5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.

Please note:

annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not have a standard full-time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days, e.g. part-timers

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working options
• Staff Parking Permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via…