Overview

Senior Lawyer (Contracts / Commercial) – 37 Hours. Torbay Council are recruiting for a Senior Lawyer to join the Legal Services Team to lead our commercial, procurement and contracts caseload. This is a role suitable for a curious and motivated professional seeking to diversify their public sector legal work, with experience in or exposure to public sector work. The role offers a hybrid working approach and the opportunity to contribute to the council’s ambitions and transformation programme.

The salary includes a market supplement of £8,000 per year, reviewed annually. Compensation: £55,181 - £58,269 per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council’s commercial, procurement and contracts workload, advising senior officers and elected members with clear and credible legal guidance.
• Provide high-quality, complex legal advice in accordance with corporate policies and prevailing legislation in a local government setting.
• Analyse information, interpret legal issues, and determine informed and appropriate solutions; influence and drive progress within the Legal Services Team.
• Support key agendas relevant to Torbay, its residents, businesses and wider communities; deliver high standards of service as an enabler for the authority.

Qualifications and Experience

• Admitted and practicing Solicitor, Barrister or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent) with at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
• High level knowledge of public procurement / contracts law; commercial contracts; and/or construction contracts (JCT, NEC).
• Solid understanding or exposure to public sector legal work is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to convey complex legal concepts to varied audiences.

Essential Requirements

• Ability to converse comfortably with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English (as per Immigration Act 2016 requirements).
• Standard Criminal Records Check required.

Additional Information

• Department: Corporate Services
• Location: Torbay Council
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Interviews expected during the week commencing 29 September 2025.
• Application Deadline: 22 September 2025.
• Hybrid working arrangement available; attendance at essential meetings and court appearances as required.
• For an informal chat, contact Philip Taylor at 01803 207142 or philip.taylor@torbay.gov.uk.