Senior Contracts Lawyer (Construction & Public Sector)

Location : Dagenham (Hybrid working arrangements)

Day Rate: £60 - £70 per hour Umbrella

Duration: 6 months initially with scope for extension

We are seeking an experienced senior Commercial Lawyer to join our client's legal team, with a particular focus on commercial contracts, construction matters and public sector projects. The role will involve advising on high value and strategically important commercial and infrastructure matters across a broad range of services and stakeholders.

This is a senior position suited to a commercial minded lawyer who is confident operating autonomously, managing risk pragmatically and supporting senior leadership on complex legal and contractual issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading on advising internal stakeholders, drafting, negotiation and management of commercial contracts, construction contracts and public sector agreements
• Advising on construction and infrastructure projects, including procurement strategy, contract structuring and delivery risk.
• Drafting and negotiating industry-standard construction documentation including JCT, NEC, professional appointments, collateral warranties, framework agreements and consultant appointments.
• Advising on contentious and non-contentious construction matters including delay, extensions of time, defects, payment disputes, contract interpretation and variation issues.
• Providing legal advice on public procurement matters, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public law requirements.
• Supporting procurement exercises, framework arrangements, direct awards and contract modifications.
• Developing and improving legal templates, governance processes and contract management practices.
• Supporting corporate governance and compliance activities across the organisation.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and legal staff where appropriate.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent common law qualified lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience.
• Strong commercial contracts background.
• Significant experience in construction law and infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of public sector contracting and procurement law.
• Experience drafting and negotiating JCT and/or NEC contracts.
• Experience advising public bodies, utilities, local authorities, housing organisations or regulated industries.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to provide commercially pragmatic and solutions-focused advice.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong technical drafting ability and attention to detail.

Desirable Experience

• Experience advising on energy, utilities, regeneration or infrastructure projects.
• In-house legal experience.
• Experience managing disputes and claims arising from construction projects.
• Familiarity with subsidy control, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Experience supervising junior lawyers or managing legal teams.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and pragmatic.
• Confident decision-maker.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Organised and capable of managing competing priorities.
• Able to balance legal risk with operational realities.
• Collaborative but capable of challenging where necessary.

Salary and Benefits

• £60 - £70 per hour Umbrella
• Hybrid/flexible working.
• Opportunity to work in a on complex and high-profile projects.
• Senior leadership exposure and progression opportunities.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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