Overview

Torbay Council is seeking a Senior Lawyer (Contracts / Commercial) to join our Legal Services Team to lead our commercial, procurement and contracts caseload. Providing an opportunity to step into a varied agenda that straddles both the public and private realm, this role will work on behalf of the council, its wholly owned companies and partners. The post requires a Standard Criminal Level Check and the ability to converse at ease with members of the public in accurate spoken English.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 29th September 2025.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates and encourage a culture that supports work-life balance, including a hybrid working approach that is aligned with essential meetings and court appearances where applicable.

Salary: £55,181 - £58,269 per annum, includes a market supplement of £8,000 per year.

For an informal chat please contact Philip Taylor on 01803 207142 or philip.taylor@torbay.gov.uk.

Responsibilities

• Lead our commercial, procurement and contracts caseload for the Council, its wholly owned companies and partners.
• Provide clear and accurate complex legal advice in accordance with corporate policies and prevailing legislation in a local government setting.
• Interpret information and determine informed and appropriate solutions through analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Support key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, residents, businesses, and wider communities; work in a varied agenda that spans public and private sector work.
• Offer proactive, credible advice to senior officers and elected members to influence and drive progress.

Essential 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.
• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal, to varied audiences.
• Ability to provide clear and accurate complex legal advice in accordance with corporate policies and prevailing legislation in a local government setting.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret information and determine informed and appropriate solutions.
• Knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist discipline, with knowledge of at least one of: public procurement / contracts legislation; commercial contracts; or construction contracts (JCT, NEC).
• Because this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.