Legal and Procurement Lead

Winchester, England, United Kingdom

2/4/2025

Application Deadline: 30 June 2025

Department: Operations

Location: Winchester, Hampshire

Description

This position will be an integral part of the Operations team, working alongside other business units and our architectural teams to support and provide expert guidance on Director-led projects. In addition to construction project-related responsibilities, this role will maintain a strong working relationship with other teams such as Finance & HR, IT, Facilities and Communications, offering strategic advice and operational support as needed. The team is split across two office and some travel between these will be required to ensure close working with all parts of the business.

Key Competencies, Skills & Requirements

• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Law, Business, or Insurance.


• Qualified and practicing Solicitor.


• Experience in insurance, contract management, and/or legal support roles.


• Strong knowledge of building contracts.


• Familiarity with RIBA appointments and the construction industry is a plus.


• Excellent communication skills for liaising with insurers, clients, legal teams, and internal staff.


• Knowledge of contract law and compliance matters related to the construction or property sector (or relevant industry).


• Ability to manage multiple tasks, handle deadlines, and solve problems proactively.


• Proficiency in software related to claims management, costing, and document management.


• Strong attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Proactive, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.


• Confident in dealing with external and internal stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Contract Management

• Prepare RIBA standard appointments and liaise with insurers on bespoke client appointments.


• Maintain all necessary supporting documentation for appointments.


• Keep and update a register of all appointments.


• Provide guidance on issues like confidentiality, copyright, and intellectual property matters.


• Review and negotiate various contracts, RFPs, RFQs, NDAs, sub-consultancy agreements, joint venture agreements and other contractual matters as required.


• Prepare bespoke documents e.g. Letters of Reliance.


• Manage JCT contracts as required and assist with construction contract management advice.

Insurance & Risk Management

• Prepare and submit the annual Professional Indemnity (PI) proposal for policy renewal.


• Notify and update insurers regarding any reportable circumstances.


• Liaise with general insurers regarding policy renewals and ensure continuity of coverage.


• Complete insurance policy claims as necessary and coordinate with insurers for resolution.


• Ensure proper risk management practices, including setting up early claim notifications and facilitating risk management meetings.


• Conduct due diligence on counterparties and address any contractual or commercial risk management issues.


• Co-ordinating annual submissions for R&D tax claims, collating claim details and supporting data with the project teams, ensuring compliance, maximising benefits, and mitigating risks.

Legislation & Compliance

• Review and analyse industry legislation, such as the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Act, advising on their impact on company operations.


• Stay abreast of legal changes and implement them into the company's policies and procedures.

Intellectual Property

• Maintain company trademarks.


• Review and liaise with our lawyer and specialist IP lawyers on company requirements (e.g. Code Cards).


• Facilitate licence arrangements for projects when needed (copyright licences for example).


• Facilitate understanding of PPL and MPLC or other external licence arrangements.

Project & Fees

• Provide legal and commercial advice on the delivery of projects, offering practical insights on contract implications for directors and job runners.


• Attend board meetings as required to provide strategic legal input & risk management on major projects.


• Assist in preparing staff fee proposals and letters for various projects.


• Facilitate tender and competition entries, ensuring compliance with requirements.


• Investigate client complaints and work on resolutions.


• Prepare and maintain house costing reviews and databases for accurate fee tracking.


• Prepare materials and documentation for R&D tax claims.

Dispute Resolution

• Liaise with solicitors as required to provide advice to the Executive Board (EB).


• Prepare material for mediation, adjudication, and other dispute resolution processes.


• Assist in preparing material for court actions as required.


• Provide advice to staff on disputes and contractual matters.


• Pursue outstanding debts as required and ensure appropriate follow-up.

Facilities Management

• Liaise with solicitors regarding property leases and other legal matters related to facilities.


• Manage service contracts for office facilities, ensuring smooth operations.