Procurement and Contracts Team Leader

About the role

St Albans City & District Council is seeking a Procurement and Contracts Team Leader to head the Legal Shared Service’s Procurement and Contracts team. This senior legal role combines leadership, strategic advice and hands‑on contract expertise to support the Council’s corporate plan and deliver high‑quality service to internal and external clients.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and manage the Procurement and Contracts team, ensuring robust legal support across the Council.
• Provide proactive, pragmatic advice on complex procurement and contract matters, identifying risks and recommending solutions.
• Research, analyse and advise councillors and officers on legal issues within the Council’s functions.
• Attend Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings to ensure decisions are lawful.
• Oversee delivery of customer‑focused service from in‑house counsel and external solicitors, aligned with the corporate plan.

Required profile

• Qualified solicitor with extensive experience in contract law and local government procurement.
• Proven track record of managing a legal team and delivering high‑quality client service.
• Strong interpersonal and client‑management abilities.
• Collaborative approach to working across councils and multidisciplinary teams.

Required skills

• Legal expertise in contract law.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement processes.

What we offer

• 30.5 days of annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme and flexible working options, including hybrid working.
• Staff parking permit, reimbursement of professional fees and comprehensive development and training.
• Discounts on local sports and fitness centres and access to an online benefits platform.