Job Description: Legal and Contracts Business Partner
Position Title: Legal and Contracts Business Partner
Reports To: Executive Director of Legal & Procurement
Department: Central Finance
Location: Remote (with some national travel)
Salary: £Competitive
Role Overview
The Legal and Contracts Business Partner will play a key role in supporting the business by managing contractual and legal matters effectively. The role includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various types of contracts, offering legal advice and guidance, and acting as a subject matter expert (SME) on contracts. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Management
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including supplier agreements, service contracts, partnership agreements, and NDAs.
- Ensure all contracts are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and aligned with business objectives.
- Develop and maintain standard contract templates and ensure their appropriate use across the business.
- Provide clear, concise, and practical advice to stakeholders at all levels on contractual matters and associated risks.
- Advise on the legal implications of business activities and decisions.
- Support the business in managing disputes, including liaising with external legal counsel where required.
Compliance and Governance
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
- Assist in maintaining robust processes for contract approval and storage.
- Conduct periodic training sessions for staff on contractual topics.
Subject Matter Expertise (SME)
- Act as the go-to expert for contract-related matters, providing training and mentorship to team members and stakeholders.
- Stay updated on changes in contract law, regulations, and best practices, ensuring their application in business processes.
Additional Duties
- Collaborate with the procurement team to align contracts with supply chain requirements.
- Support bid management by providing input on legal terms and conditions in proposals.
- Assist in risk assessment and mitigation planning for business operations.
- Carry out other legal or contract-related tasks as required by the business.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent; a relevant professional qualification is desirable (e.g., membership of CIPS or similar).
- Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts in a commercial or public sector environment.
- Strong knowledge of contract law and commercial legal practices.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify and mitigate legal risks.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience in procurement, bid management, or managing legal aspects of projects.
- Knowledge of regulations relevant to the business sector (e.g., GDPR, Health & Safety laws).
Key Competencies
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess risks and make informed decisions.
- Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with stakeholders to enable effective collaboration.
- Time Management: Prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Leadership: Provide guidance to team members and stakeholders, ensuring high-quality support.
Working Conditions
- This role may involve occasional travel to meet stakeholders or attend external meetings.