This role is in our contracts and commercial team who support the Council on procurement, contracting and governance matters. We work closely with our colleagues across legal services and client departments to ensure we’re delivering value for money, strategic objectives and meeting client needs for the benefit of Dorset’s residents and business communities.
What’s in it for you:
This is not a typical public sector legal service – we are busy, future-focused, proud of our professional expertise and high standards and confident in our advice. You’ll join a service which fosters a strong culture of support, respect, and integrity.
We only use external counsel or law firms when a matter is particularly complex or unusual, so the role will include seeing projects through from start to finish and steering the direction of travel. As a result, the legal services team are held in high regard across the council and we regularly work with senior leaders and the committee structure.
We are keen for you to build your career in a modern, flexible, and inclusive organisation and always look for ways for our team to increase experience and advance through the council. Everyone who joins our service is supported to develop their legal career and expand their specialist knowledge and skills. You will be positively challenged with a varied caseload and be involved in interesting work from the outset.
Based in our beautiful county, you’ll find miles of stunning coastline and countryside to explore, with sport and activities, greenspaces and culture. Our flexible and hybrid working arrangements support you to enjoy a healthier work-life balance and well-being, which extends into your family life through our family-friendly policies.
The position is based at County Hall in Dorchester, with close access to shops and cafés in the attractive market town and will require attendance at the office at least once a week.
What you can expect to be doing:
As a unitary authority we cover a wider range of services than a county or district council, offering involvement in housing, waste collection, social care, highways and corporate matters.
The contracts and commercial team are a busy team involved in every area of service delivery across the Council, you will enjoy a varied caseload and complete wide ranging and interesting work.
As a valued member of the team, you will provide expert advice to an array of departments within the council; from school transport and waste services, public health services and building contracts, IT services and highways. The team advise on many forms of agreements including contracts, grants and partnership agreements, procurements and alternative delivery models including establishing council owned companies, plus general advice on commercial matters and governance.
The successful candidate will hold their own case load and undertake transactional and advice matters with supervision where required.
About you:
We are looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable applicants who are qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive, to work with the lawyers in our contracts and commercial team who carry out transactional work and advise on a wide range of contract, procurement and related matters.
You must be able to evidence experience or knowledge of the Council’s role, duties and position within the county including meeting residents needs
We welcome applications from those wanting to work full time and those looking to work part time or flexibly.
Contact details:
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jen Cook on 01305 221308 or by email on [email protected].