Description
We are seeking a Chief Lawyer - Contracts to lead our specialist Contracts team, providing expert legal advice across commercial contracts, procurement, governance and complex strategic projects.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to a team of around 11 legal professionals, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting colleagues to reach their full potential.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing proactive, expert legal advice on complex contracts, procurement, commercial and governance matters to Members, senior officers and corporate leadership.
- Shaping corporate decision-making through strategic legal advice on high-profile and politically sensitive matters.
- Managing resources, budgets and external legal spend to deliver value for money whilst maintaining exceptional professional standards.
- Driving innovation, service improvement and collaboration across Legal Services and the wider organisation.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced commercial lawyer who combines technical excellence with strong leadership and the confidence to advise at the highest levels of a large, complex organisation.
Required skills and experience include:
- A current practising certificate as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive.
- Significant experience advising on complex commercial contracts, procurement and governance matters.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing legal teams.
- The credibility to influence senior leaders, elected members and a wide range of stakeholders.
Benefits of working at Brent Council include:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans.
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities.
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment.