Lawyer (Procurement & Commercial)

We currently have vacancies for up to two Lawyers- Procurement & Commercial, in the Legal, Governance & Compliance Team.

We are seeking skilled and proactive Commercial Lawyers to join our in-house Legal, Governance & Compliance Services Team. This is an opportunity to become part of a small, high performing team, providing strategic legal advice across the full project lifecycle – from early development to the award of contracts. You will act as a senior advisor for the Combined Authority in relation to the in-house Legal Procurement & Commercial function and provide legal support in connection with all aspects of commercial contracts. This includes delivering robust, pragmatic support and advice on the public procurement regime, contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Mayoral Combined Authority. We have a wide variety of impactful projects that we are working on which will help shape the West Yorkshire region. To find out more about the work the Combined Authority is involved with, take a look at our latest news stories.

It is important that you demonstrate how your breadth of experience, knowledge and skills align with the role when applying. We have therefore created comprehensive guidance for candidates, and you are strongly urged to read this before completing your application form. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage to find this guidance and further support in completing your application form.

Due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will be subject to relevant vetting checks at the appropriate level and any job offer will be conditional subject to successful vetting clearance. Applicants should be aware that it is not possible to make meaningful vetting enquiries in many jurisdictions outside the UK. Vetting clearance cannot therefore be granted if the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the relevant minimum period and comparable vetting enquiries cannot be made in jurisdictions where the individual has been residing.

The Role

Reporting into the Principal Lawyer – Procurement & Commercial your key responsibilities will include:

• Act as a senior legal advisor, supporting the Principal Lawyer and Service Lead to provide a quality legal service to the Combined Authority.
• Work in partnership with the Combined Authority’s officers, external stakeholders, partner authorities and West Yorkshire Police to provide robust legal advice in relation to procurements, the implementation and delivery of major projects and schemes, funding arrangements, contracts and general commercial law and practice.
• Provide legal support required by means of:
  • Drafting, negotiating and interpreting commercial contract documentation in connection with the procurements of goods and services by the Combined Authority;
  • Advising on the implementation and interpretation of Public Procurement Regulations, the organisation’s standing orders, tender procedure and all other relevant statutory legislation to ensure legal compliance at all times;
  • Working closely with the Combined Authority’s Commercial Service, advising on the commercial aspects of all procurements;
  • Liaising with the other parts of the Legal Projects, Procurement & Commercial team and the Combined Authority’s Commercial function, as appropriate, to provide an integrated legal and procurement service.

Please review the Role Profile for more information about the responsibilities.

About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate or full CILEX (Fellowship) qualification with recent post-qualification experience, ideally in a public sector organisation.
• Substantial and extensive legal and practical knowledge and experience relating to the implementation and delivery of complex and high value public procurement projects and programmes.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the legislative framework of related functions including some or all of the following: commercial contracts, public procurement regulations, infrastructure projects, construction law (including knowledge and experience of using the NEC suite of contracts/other standard form contracts) public transport schemes and regeneration.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex legal advice to elected members and officers at all levels of the organisation and significant experience of conveying legal advice in a politically sensitive environment.

Our Offer
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

Take a look at our Employee Benefits webpage to find out more.

To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements under the ‘About You’ section of the advert and criteria within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail please contact Phebe Chaudhry via Phebe.Chaudhry@westyorks-ca.gov.uk or 0113 348 1669.

Please note that previous applicants for this post will automatically be considered so need not re-apply.

Closing date: 22 November 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the ‘Enquire/Apply’ button.