Commercial Legal Counsel

This is a newly created role because an Oxford-based organisation is growing and expanding. It is a significant time to join, and an opportunity to shape the legal function from the start. The role supports the Company Secretary and builds contractual frameworks for growth, reducing reliance on external advisers over time. You will draft, negotiate and advise on customer, supplier, framework and partnership agreements. You will build templates, schedules and the contract library, set contract governance and escalation processes, and manage external legal advisers and spend. You will also support construction contracts, bids and tenders, and manage legal and commercial risk. The role is autonomous from day one. You will work with senior stakeholders across the organisation, and you will lead on the legal work rather than wait for direction. Essential:

• Solicitor of England and Wales, with at least four years PQE
• Significant commercial legal experience, in-house, in private practice, or both
• Strong commercial drafting and negotiation skills
• Experience of advising senior stakeholders on contract law and commercial risk
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Values-led, with a commitment to the organisation's ethos of doing good

Desirable

• Construction, engineering, facilities management, infrastructure or highways experience
• Knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts
• Procurement or public sector experience
• Experience of developing templates and governance frameworks Notice period: shorter is preferred but not a deal-breaker