Contracts and Procurement Senior Lawyer

The starting salary for this role is £61,784 to £67,859 per annum depending on experience. This salary is based on a 36-hour working week. Part time applications will also be considered (subject to a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week).

Are you looking to take the next step in your career in Contracts, Procurement and Projects Law? As a Contracts and Procurement Senior Lawyer, you will join a supportive, successful and Lexcel accredited in-house legal team that delivers effective legal advice and assistance to the Council.

The Council adopts a hybrid working policy with flexible working arrangements which includes access to our offices in Reigate and Weybridge combined with remote or home working. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week). The team are very approachable with regular catch ups when working remotely.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

We are looking for a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX with substantial experience of the law and practice in this area. This is an ideal role for those interested in developing and enhancing their existing skills whilst undertaking quality and varied work.

In this role you will work as part of a team of Contract Lawyers to provide quality proactive legal advice on issues including, but not limited to, Public Contract Regulations matters, Company law, Subsidy Control, NEC’s and JCT construction Contracts, and general contract queries. You will have conduct of a full, varied and demanding caseload.

Senior Lawyers play an active role in the management of the team, and you will be expected to deputise for the Principal Solicitor alongside actively contributing to the future delivery of first-class legal services.

If you consider yourself to be an effective and dynamic individual, with some experience of managing and supervising people and the ability to motivate others whilst working in a team, then we want to hear from you!

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• You are a Solicitor, barrister or Fellow of CILEX, eligible to practise in England and Wales with a current practicing certificate issued by the relevant regulatory authority
• Negotiating and drafting experience such as construction contracts, service agreements, facilities management services
• Providing solutions-focused and enabling advice on a range of matters and an ability to learn quickly about subjects in which you may not have had prior experience
• Effective team working, including managing competing priorities to achieve client/statutory deadlines
• Leading and contributing at client and project meetings, providing exemplary client care and organisational skills
• Advising Members and Senior Officers of the Council

Please note that advocacy will not form part of this role.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 12/04/2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Amanda Scally via email at amanda.scally@surreycc.gov.uk.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.