Solicitor-Senior Associate - Commercial and Procurement

DAC Beachcroft is seeking an ambitious and commercially minded solicitor to join our highly successful Commercial, Public Procurement, Infrastructure & Projects practice. This is a unique opportunity to work across a broad spectrum of complex commercial contracting matters for predominantly public sector clients, including NHS bodies, central government departments, local authorities, arm's-length bodies and private sector organisations delivering public services. The role offers an unusual mix of high-quality commercial contracts work alongside involvement in nationally significant infrastructure, outsourcing, PPP and PFI projects. You will work with leading lawyers across our Commercial & Procurement, Projects, Real Estate, Construction and Dispute Resolution teams on some of the most complex and high-profile projects in the market.

Responsibilities

Drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial contracts for public and private sector clients; Advising on outsourcing, managed services, technology, facilities management and strategic service delivery arrangements; Supporting public sector clients on major transformation, infrastructure and regeneration projects; Advising on PFI, PPP and other long-term partnering arrangements throughout their lifecycle, including contract management, contract variations, operational issues and expiry planning; Supporting clients in relation to PFI handback and operational contract matters; Advising on procurement strategy, procurement processes and procurement law compliance for a variety of commercial arrangements; Working on major cross-disciplinary projects involving colleagues from procurement, real estate, construction, projects, finance and disputes teams; Providing practical, risk-based and commercially focused advice to clients; Building and maintaining strong client relationships; Supporting business development, thought leadership, training and client events

Requirements

A qualified solicitor with experience gained in a recognised commercial, projects, public sector or infrastructure practice; Strong experience drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial contracts; Experience of, or a genuine interest in developing expertise in, complex public sector contracting; An ability to provide pragmatic, strategic advice on commercial arrangements, balancing legal risk with operational and service delivery objectives; An interest in working on multidisciplinary projects and collaborating with specialists across a range of legal disciplines; Knowledge of UK public procurement law and procurement processes, or a strong desire to develop specialist expertise in this area; A practical and commercial approach to problem solving; Strong relationship management and communication skills; The ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team; A strong academic background and an appetite to take on responsibility and develop their practice

Nice to have

Experience of outsourcing, managed services, technology contracts, infrastructure projects, PFI/PPP arrangements or other complex contractual frameworks

Benefits

Exposure to high-profile and complex work from day one; Direct client contact and responsibility appropriate to your experience; Structured development and mentoring from leading practitioners; Opportunities to develop specialist expertise in procurement, infrastructure and public sector contracting; A genuinely collaborative national team environment; Flexible and hybrid working arrangements; Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package