Contracts Lawyer

Location: Leighton Buzzard (Hybrid)

Contract: Permanent (full-time or part-time considered)

Role Purpose

Provide commercially focused legal support to the business, with primary responsibility for the review, drafting, negotiation and management of commercial contracts and supplier arrangements. The role will work closely with business stakeholders to manage legal risk while supporting the achievement of commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Contracts

Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements.

Advise stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations and risk allocation.

Support procurement and supplier engagement activities.

Assist with contract renewals, variations and terminations.

Maintain standard form agreements and contractual precedents.

Business Legal Support

Provide pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice to operational teams.

Support business projects involving contractual risk and regulatory considerations.

Work with stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal and commercial risks.

Assist in resolving contractual disputes and supplier issues.

Supplier Assurance and Governance

Support oversight of supplier assurance and contractual compliance processes.

Advise on contractual controls and governance requirements.

Contribute to legal risk management initiatives across the business.

Policies and Regulatory Matters

Assist with regulatory and compliance projects where required.

Support legal aspects of data protection and governance matters.

Contribute to the development of internal legal procedures and guidance.

Person Specification

Essential

Qualified solicitor, barrister or equivalent legal professional.

Demonstrable experience of drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.

Strong understanding of contractual risk and commercial negotiation.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to provide practical and commercially focused advice.

Strong organisational and workload management skills.

Desirable

In-house legal experience.

Experience supporting procurement or supplier management functions.

Experience within a large corporate or multi-division business.

Knowledge of data protection and governance issues.

Experience managing external legal advisers.

Benefits

Days annual leave for your birthday

Aviva Digicare + workplace / Car leasing and cycle to work scheme

Colleague discount scheme / Perks at work / Gym discounts

Life assurance / Workplace pension scheme

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Connells Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity status.