Associate - Procurement and Public Sector

Background

We are looking for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join our Corporate Commercial team in Cardiff, with a particular focus on procurement and public sector commercial contracts/projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who enjoys working on varied, high-quality matters and wants to play a key role in developing a growing area of the team. The role would suit someone with experience in commercial and procurement work, ideally with a strong interest in public sector clients, regulated procurement, outsourcing, grant-funded projects, collaboration arrangements and major service or infrastructure projects.

The role

You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers both in the Corporate Commercial team and in multi-disciplinary teams across the firm, advising clients across the public, third and private sectors on a broad range of commercial and procurement matters.

The work will include:

• advising on public procurement law and procedure, including procurement strategy, tender documentation, evaluation, award processes and procurement challenges;
• drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including services agreements, framework agreements, outsourcing contracts, collaboration agreements, grant agreements and supply arrangements;
• supporting clients on public sector projects, including regeneration, service delivery, technology, infrastructure and partnership arrangements;
• advising on contract management, variations, extensions, risk allocation and termination issues;
• working with colleagues across the firm on multidisciplinary projects, including corporate, property, construction, regulatory and dispute resolution matters;
• supporting business development activity and helping to grow the public sector and procurement practice;
• building strong client relationships and delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice.

About you

We are looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware and keen to develop their profile in this area.

You will ideally have:

• experience as a solicitor in commercial contracts, procurement, public sector projects or a related area;
• an understanding of public procurement principles and the legal framework applying to public sector contracting in England or Wales;
• strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills;
• the confidence to manage your own matters, with appropriate supervision and support;
• a practical, solutions-focused approach to client work;
• excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly;
• an interest in helping to grow the team and contribute to wider business development;
• a collaborative approach and a willingness to work across teams.

Public sector experience would be particularly welcome, although we are also interested in candidates with strong commercial contracts experience who are keen to develop further expertise in procurement and projects.

This is a key appointment for the team and offers genuine scope for progression. You will be joining an established, supportive and highly regarded Corporate Commercial team, with the opportunity to help shape and grow our public sector commercial and procurement offering.

The role will be based in Cardiff, with flexibility in line with the firm's hybrid working arrangements. You will have access to high-quality work, direct client contact, supportive supervision and the opportunity to develop as a specialist in a growing practice area.

Why Hugh James?

Hugh James is a leading law firm with a strong reputation for delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice. We work with a wide range of clients across Wales and England, including public bodies, private sector organisations, charities, education providers and not-for-profit organisations.

We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a collaborative team, contribute to excellent client service and help us continue to grow our commercial and procurement practice.

Life at Hugh James

We never shy away from a challenge

We are a leading, full-service UK law firm. Since our beginning, we have been led by the things that matter. We care about fighting for the right outcomes. Solving the seemingly unsolvable. Protecting businesses, individuals and livelihoods. Supporting our people, our communities. Safeguarding our planet. Looking for a way forward? At Hugh James, challenges - of all sizes - are readily accepted.

The Hugh James difference

Our law firm has always been guided by the idea that self-belief is just as important as skillset. Our pursuit of righting wrongs and protecting what's important keeps us driving forwards. It's in our roots! We won't stop until we find the answers; the outcomes that are needed.

We are focused on the work we do, the business we run, and our culture. Our entrepreneurial spirit has taken us from humble beginnings to a strong presence across the UK with offices in Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Plymouth - servicing clients from businesses, individuals and banks to public sector organisations, property companies, education establishments and utilities providers. Our collegiate culture, our forward-looking ethos, our values serve to make us bigger, better, bolder than ever before.

A positive force in the community

Our work with charities on a local and national level plays a huge part in our day-to-day lives. We work with a large range of charities, some of which we support through fundraising, donations, volunteering and others we partner with where our areas of work cross paths. Staff, clients everyone comes together through a shared passion to do good in the community and support those in need.

Some of our benefits on offer include

Minimum of 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Two Corporate Social Responsibility days

Birthday day off

Death in service equivalent to twice annual salary

Auto enrolment pension scheme

Hybrid working

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts for local businesses

Professional fees paid (subject to requirement for your role)

Employee recruitment incentive scheme

Hugh James is an equal opportunities and disability confident committed employer.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact Jo Herbert

We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the given deadline if we receive sufficient applications for the role.