Procurement and Contracts Team Leader

Salary: £50,998 to £55,224 per annum (inclusive) + Local Government Pension Scheme (pay award pending)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: St Albans. Flexible working options available, including hybrid working

Job Ref: P2495

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Procurement & Contracts Solicitor in the Legal Shared Service Procurement and Contracts Team.

This pivotal role will predominantly:

• Lead, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team
• Ensure the delivery of proactive, robust, high quality professional and specialist legal advice on Procurement and Contracts legal matters
• Ensure client requirements are met within legal constraints
• In addition, the postholder will support the achievement of the Council’s corporate plan, projects and aims and ensure the delivery of high-quality customer service from the in-house team, external solicitors and from counsel.
• Key Responsibilities
• Lead, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team and contribute to the development of the Legal Shared Service generally
• Lead on complex legal matters, identifying potential areas of risk and liability and advising on solution focused strategies
• Ensure Legal Shared Services provides proactive, pragmatic, robust and solution focused advice and a support service to all clients (internal and external)
• Research, analyse, investigate and provide legal advice to councillors and to officers on any matter within the functions of the Council
• Attend Member and Officer meetings as required, including meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees, to ensure that decisions are lawful

About you

We’re seeking a confident, qualified legal professional with:

• Legal expertise and experience in contracts law and local government procurement
• A proven track record in managing a legal team
• Strong interpersonal and client management skills
• A collaborative approach to working across Councils and teams

Guided by our Sustainability and Climate Crisis Strategy, we put the environment at the heart of every decision. We live our values—trust, care, confidence, collaboration and customer focus—while delivering sustainable services and reducing environmental impact. Join us and make a difference.

About St Albans

St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history, visible in its Roman remains, beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within the green belt and located just off the M25, A1M and M1, the District includes a cathedral, vibrant city centre and thriving villages.

Our centrally located offices are close to the station (London St Pancras in 20 minutes), shops and restaurants. In short, it is a great place to live and work.

Benefits

In addition to working within a great team and receiving a competitive salary, you will have access to:

• 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• (Annual leave will be pro-rated for anyone who does not work a standard full-time pattern of 37 hours over 5 days)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working options
• Staff parking permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via an online platform

Additional Information

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.

Disclosure Checks

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. For those whose language is a signed language, the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the required standard of fluency will be provided. Further information about the legal requirement can be found online.

Closing date for applications: 5 June 2026
Interviews are scheduled for the weeks commencing 15 June 2026 and 22 June 2026.

Please note: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date and strongly encourage early applications.

You may have experience in the following: Procurement Solicitor, Contracts Solicitor, Local Government Solicitor, Commercial Solicitor, Procurement Lawyer, Contracts Lawyer, Legal Team Leader, Principal Lawyer, Senior Solicitor, Public Sector Lawyer, Legal Services Manager, Head of Procurement Law

REF-(Apply online only)