Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
From delivering the metro programme and building a transport system that links people to opportunities, developing the region in terms of employment, skills, and communities, to helping unlock brownfield sites so that new homes can be built, the range of work you can get involved with is unparalleled.
We now have a Senior Lawyer vacancy available, with a focus on Commercial Contracts/ Procurement.
As a key member, you will play a crucial role in the provision of high-quality legal services to the Combined Authority and deputise for the Principal Lawyer where appropriate.
Collaborating within the Law and Governance Directorate, you will support the Principal Lawyer by contributing to the continuous improvement of the legal service by providing timely and accurate legal and governance advice. These roles require proactive engagement with various business areas, supporting colleagues, flexibility and ensuring compliance with legal and constitutional processes /procedures.
What you will be doing.
- Support the Principal Solicitor’s in developing the team and business partner responsibilities
- Lead the provision of general legal work and advice of which facilitates the delivery of the Business Area’s services.
- Advise on wider governance issues of relevance to the Business Area including the democratic process and Information Governance.
- Possessing expertise regarding the law relating to the work of the relevant business area, you will be able to provide clear and authoritative advice to colleagues on a day-to-day basis.
- Advise on, draft, review, contracts and other legal documents and partner with the business on the legal implications of their activity.
- Ensure that any external legal services are effectively managed to secure value for money.
- Keep up to date on relevant legal developments, understanding and communicating their implications to the business.
- First point of contact to provide legal advice and guidance for your business area.
- Being an effective member of the business team which you partner and supporting completion of their objectives, plans/programmes of activity and change.
- Ensure that the work of the Authority is supported and that all requirements of lawful decision-making and good governance are satisfied.
What’s essential.
- Qualified solicitor/ barrister with current practicing certificate with demonstrable experience.
- Good understanding of the overall legal issues that affect the organisation as a public authority.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present legal advice to all levels of the business.
- Good people skills, engaging with problems and issues confronting colleagues and giving them confidence in your advice and solutions.
- Excellent customer service skills, ensuring business areas get the support they need.
- Persuasive and resilient, you may come under pressure to take the business line, including where this conflicts with your view of the legal risks or the governance of the Authority.
- Work as a team and offer support with workload outside direct business support area.
- Ability to integrate with your business unit, understanding their plans, strategy, and interactions with other business departments and with external stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, auditors, regulators.
How to apply.
On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out. You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should fully outline your suitability for the role, highlighting how your skills and experience match the essential job criteria. If you already have one that you have prepared earlier, you can simply copy and paste this into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.
Reasonable adjustments.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk). We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Salary and benefits.
We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (plus an option to purchase more!), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, free financing for the latest technology, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.
Hybrid working and location.
We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.
The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 1-2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.
Creating an inclusive workplace.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.
WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.
We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.
We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.
Right to Work in the UK
Applicants will need to evidence that they have the legal right to work in the UK, in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.
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