Contracts Lawyer (Maternity Cover)

Tendring District Council currently has a vacancy for a contracts lawyer due to maternity leave. The role provides advice and support for services across the Council in all matters contract and including aspects such as subsidy control or similar, as well as providing advice and guidance on governance and lawful decision making.

Tendring

The Tendring District has many geographic, demographic and economic characteristics that make it distinctive from other areas.

We enjoy over 36 miles of coastline, award-winning sandy beaches, areas of geological interest and specialist areas for wildlife or fowl, including SSSI’s, and a number of important wildlife and environmental sites such as the Naze and Hamford Water, Walton-on-the-Naze or the Stour and Copperas Woods, Wrabness to name a few. In addition we have numerous coastal towns providing anything from the traditional pleasures of the seaside to this Country’s maritime heritage, a Cinque Port, and one of the busiest harbours in Europe together with a variety of beautiful and picturesque villages. Our coastal geography is our greatest asset and of which we are particularly proud.

The Council operates a Cabinet system.

The role

The contracts lawyer role is an important one for the Council as it provides advice and support for services across the Council in all matters contract and including aspects such as subsidy control, procurement or similar, as well as providing advice and guidance on governance and lawful decision making.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate high standards of customer service, effective governance, efficient project management and the use of technology to deliver excellent value for money. Able to work under pressure and often to strict deadlines, the post holder will motivate and, where applicable, mentor officers of the Legal Team. An ability to explain and advise clearly to officers from the instructing teams or departments is important.

The requirements

We are looking for an ambitious and interested lawyer, preferably a solicitor or legal executive who is prepared to think outside the box and is ready to pursue a vibrant legal career in local government. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are pivotal to this role.

You will have significant experience of working in a busy office and will be able to use your experience and knowledge across a variety of contractual matters advising client officers as appropriate, drafting and/or reviewing all documentation in each particular matter, including supporting client officers in the preparation of the relevant decisions and/or reports and the appropriate route to ensure that governance issues are properly and fully addressed.

You will be both supported by the friendly team whilst also able to manage, support and develop staff in your specialist area of work including officers across the Council. You will also be able to demonstrate an ability to interpret legislation and provide associated advice to all officers.

You must be able to work flexibly.

Employee benefits

The Council offer a great range of employee benefits including:-

• Flexible working arrangements
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous leave entitlement
• Free parking
• Discounted Corporate Gym Membership
• A number of Salary Sacrifice initiatives

For an informal discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Linda Trembath, Head of Legal Services on 01255 686563

For further information, please see the job description and person specification.