Join to apply for the Contracts Lawyer role at WSP in the UK & Ireland

We are seeking an experienced solicitor to support WSP UK Earth and Environment businesses, focusing on engineering consultancy contracts and related commercial risk management.

What you will do

• Work closely with the Earth and Environment business teams to support growth while embedding contractual and commercial risk management, mitigation and regulatory compliance.
• Reviewing and negotiating contractual documentation relevant to the earth, mining and environment sectors, including consultancy agreements, project contracts, joint venture and teaming agreements, framework agreements, collateral warranties, deeds of novation, reliance letters, non-disclosure agreements, letters of intent, and sub-consultancy agreements.
• Carry out legal reviews aimed at minimising impact on WSP’s working capital and proactively concluding contract negotiations in a timely manner.
• Ensure corporate governance is maintained in relation to contract reviews and approvals for bids and contracts.
• Provide advice on tender processes and bid documentation to identify risk and promote competition.
• Support and advise the business in the contract delivery phase to maximise revenue, minimise risk and support effective contract management.
• Liaise with internal teams including bid teams, commercial and operations directors, and the finance function.
• Keep the business updated on relevant legal developments in the environmental and earth-related space and, from time to time, deliver legal training.
• Contribute to the organisation and dissemination of legal know-how within the WSP UK Legal team and share lessons learned with the wider business.
• Collaborate as a team player with colleagues at all times.

There is an expectation that the successful candidate will familiarise themselves with WSP’s health and safety arrangements and guidance relevant to their activities and duties, as detailed in GNHS020 – Competencies, Roles and Responsibilities (available on the company intranet from day one).

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate

The successful candidate will be a solicitor qualified in England & Wales, with post-qualification experience advising on a broad range of contractual matters within the engineering and construction sector. In-house experience at an engineering consultancy or contractor is preferable, with experience of complex contracting arrangements including joint ventures being desirable.

The candidate should be able to work autonomously while contributing to the wider legal team, and demonstrate:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and manage competing business demands
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

About us and what we offer

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our people are united by a culture of innovation, integrity and inclusion, delivering positive, long-lasting impacts in communities we serve. With a large presence across the UK and Ireland, we offer flexible and supportive working arrangements, development opportunities and a commitment to wellbeing.

What’s in it for you

Work-life balance with hybrid working (two days from home per week) and opportunities to collaborate in offices across the UK. We support inclusivity, wellbeing, and personal development through programs and benefits, including health and wellbeing initiatives, flexible benefits, and opportunities for progression and Chartership.

#WeAreWSP We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and encourage candidates to apply. We are a Disability Confident employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and may provide workplace adjustments on request.

Job details

Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom (and other UK & Ireland locations as applicable). Employment type: Full-time. Seniority level: Mid-Senior level. Job function: Legal. Industries: Professional Services.