Procurement and Contracts Team Leader

Job Ref: P2495

Salary: £50,998 to £55,224 per annum, plus a Market Supplement of up to £5,000 depending on experience, plus Local Government Pension Scheme (pay award pending)
Location: St Albans
Working pattern: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week), with flexible working options including hybrid working

Role overview

St Albans City and District Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Solicitor to lead the Legal Shared Service's Procurement and Contracts Team. This pivotal role combines leadership, collaboration and technical expertise, supporting the Council's corporate plan and priorities while ensuring high-quality legal and customer service delivery.

What you'll be doing

Lead, support, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team, contributing to the development of the Legal Shared Service
Lead on complex legal matters, identifying risk and liability and advising on solution-focused strategies
Ensure the Legal Shared Service provides proactive, pragmatic and robust advice and support to all clients, internal and external
Ensure client requirements are met within legal constraints
Research, analyse, investigate and provide legal advice to councillors and officers on matters within the Council's functions
Attend Member and Officer meetings, including Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings, to help ensure decisions are lawful
Support delivery of high-quality customer service from the in-house team, external solicitors and counsel, aligned with the Council's corporate plan

What you'll bring

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

What's on offer

30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service), plus bank holidays — pro rata for part-time working patterns
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

St Albans is a Disability Confident employer and guarantees an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the role.

This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check. The ability to converse easily with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications: 11 August 2026. Interviews are held throughout the application process, so early applications are encouraged.

You may have experience of the following: Procurement Solicitor, Contracts Team Leader, Procurement and Contracts Manager, Legal Team Leader, Commercial Contracts Manager, Head of Procurement Legal Services, Senior Contracts Solicitor, Legal Services Manager, Procurement Lawyer, Contracts and Commercial Manager

REF-(Apply online only)