About this opportunity

A great opportunity has arisen within our Legal Team for a Senior Lawyer – Contracts and Commercial to support on the Council’s commercial work.

This role offers a unique opportunity to provide expert legal advice on construction, assets, highways, and economic development, with a strong focus on complex contractual and procurement matters. You’ll manage a challenging caseload, contribute to strategic planning and corporate governance, and offer guidance on NEC4, JCT, and other construction contracts. The role also involves supervising team members, representing the council in key decision-making forums, and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective legal services.

To be a success in this role, you will have experience of or knowledge in the following:

• Experience in advising on construction and assets, highways and economic development services on a range of construction, contractual and procurement matters, including those of a contentious nature.
• Experience in providing advice on commercial and contractual arrangements (including NEC4, JCT and other construction contracts).
• Independent management in accordance with practice standards of a complex and challenging caseload of files - particularly of a more complex, corporately significant and/or higher risk nature.
• Supervising and developing practice of designated team members in accordance with practice standards.
• Provision of legal advice and support to strategic planning, policy formation, projects, corporate governance, decision making, review and scrutiny and to provide representation at decision making bodies, boards/panels, working groups and on external bodies as required by the role.
• Keep under review and provide timely and practical advice to senior managers and elected members on the implications of legislation, case law and other emerging developments in the specialist technical areas relevant to the role.
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contractual documents including for example contracts for purchase of goods / services, grant agreements.
• Providing the highest level of client care and advice to clients on contract and commercial activities, offering solutions.
• Evidenced dedication to continuous professional development.
• Experience in and willingness to learn and enhance, local authority governance requirements including ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
• Experience of working in local government (desirable but not essential).

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys rising to a challenge. You will bring a strong track record of meeting deadlines, excellent communication skills, and the confidence to make sound decisions and solve problems effectively.

In this role, you will handle a variety of responsibilities, including providing clear, practical advice to officers and Elected Members, and participating in Council Committees and working groups as needed.

To succeed, you’ll need strong IT skills, a well-organised approach to work, and the ability to confidently use electronic legal resources for research and casework.

Above all, you will be committed to delivering high-quality service that makes a real difference to our residents and clients.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes.

Would you like to find out more?

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Ciaran Wells, Group Lawyer – Commercial and Contracts, by email (ciaran.wells@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk).

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 7 July 2025

We are currently operating in-person interviews for this role. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.

Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

This role does not require a DBS check.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.