Principal Solicitor - Contracts & Procurement
Posted 2 days ago by Panoramic Associates
£78,200 Per year
Undetermined
Hybrid
Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Principal Solicitor - Contracts & Procurement role at Surrey County Council involves providing high-level legal advice and leading a team of lawyers during a transformative period. This senior leadership position supports strategic decision-making and oversees various legal matters, including commercial contracts and procurement. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, allowing for flexibility between office and remote work. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of legal services within the council.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop a team of lawyers
- Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of matters, including commercial contracts, procurement, and subsidy control
- Advise senior leaders and Members on complex legal and governance issues
- Oversee resources, budgets, and service improvement initiatives
- Represent Legal Services internally and externally
Key Skills:
- Substantial senior legal management experience
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of local government and procurement law
- Proven ability to manage risk, budgets, and high-pressure situations
- Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX (including Chartered Legal Executive)
- Eligible to practice in England and Wales with, or able to obtain, a current practising certificate
- Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy
Salary (Rate): £78,200 yearly
City: Surrey
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: Legal
Principal Solicitor - Contracts & Procurement
Reports to: Assistant Director - Legal Services
Salary: £70,975 - £78,200 + benefits
Hybrid working: 2 days in office, 3 days remote working
We are working exclusively Surrey County Council who are seeking an experienced Principal Solicitor to join their Legal Services team. This senior leadership role provides high-level legal advice across the council, supports strategic decision-making, and leads a team of lawyers in a period of transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop a team of lawyers
- Provide expert legal advice on a wide range of matters, including commercial contracts, procurement, and subsidy control
- Advise senior leaders and Members on complex legal and governance issues
- Oversee resources, budgets, and service improvement initiatives
- Represent Legal Services internally and externally
Skills & Experience:
- Substantial senior legal management experience
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of local government and procurement law
- Proven ability to manage risk, budgets, and high-pressure situations
Qualifications:
- Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of CILEX (including Chartered Legal Executive)
- Eligible to practice in England and Wales with, or able to obtain, a current practising certificate
- Experience of, or aptitude for, advocacy
Why Join Us:
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of legal services in a forward-thinking council, delivering high-impact legal support for Surrey residents in a flexible, hybrid working environment.