Principal Lawyer (Contracts and Procurement)

Greenwich (Local Authority role)

Contract initially until 10/04/2026

Hourly rate: Negotiable, indicate rate sought (Umbrella)

35 hours per week

1. To be the senior fee earner in Contracts and Procurement providing high level legal advice to Elected Members (including Committees), senior managers, staff and external clients which makes a significant contribution to the delivery of the Council’s strategic priorities in terms of contracts and Procurement.
2. To carry an extensive case load of complex and sensitive matters and to manage highly complex or organisationally high profile cases that affect the whole council including taking the lead on complex contractual and procurement transactions including goods, works, and services across the Council.
3. To take overall responsibility for the allocation, supervision, monitoring, and management of all legal work related to key strategic contract and procurement matters requiring legal input.
4. To take responsibility for providing legal input on committee reports and responses to Members' inquiries as directed by the Assistant Head of Legal Services.
5. To act as deputy for the Assistant Head of Legal Services
6. Represent Legal Services and the council on various boards, and external bodies such as procurement and commissioning boards.
7. To advise on and secure terms and provisions which best secure the protection of the Council’s interests and ensure that members and Senior officers are informed of any proposed or actual changes in the external environment that could impact the Council’s legal position.
8. To procure external legal advisers as agreed by the Council and to act as intelligent client in relation to such advisers, monitoring their performance, overseeing their advice and ensuring that the interests of the Council are protected.
9. To be responsible for reviewing Council policies and procedures in relation to contracts and procurement and ensuring their implementation
10. Ensure that all forms of contracts, deeds, documentation and procedures used are updated in the interests of the Council to accord with legislative changes and case law and conform to current legal requirements and best practice.
11. Prepare contracts for supplies, services, buildings and works and proactively advise service clients thereon.
12. Advise on methods of contractual construction to allow flexible, yet robust, arrangements that are responsive to changes in circumstances and will allow continuation of delivery.
13. Undertake research and interpret legislation and any changes in legislation relating to the post holder’s main activities and advise thereon.
14. Keep under review the Councils contracting procedures and make recommendations thereon from time to time.
15. Advise on the best means of legally achieving the client’s objectives.
16. Represent the Council in contract and procurement disputes.
17. To contribute to  maintaining the high quality, performance and efficiency in legal service delivery.
18. Directly manage such junior staff and external solicitors and advisers as allocated.

If you have any questions about this role or wish to apply, please contact isobel@deekay.co.uk who will respond at the earliest convenience.