Major Projects Lawyer
We are looking for an experienced, proactive and confident commercial / contracts and regeneration lawyer who specialises in major project developments and can deliver at pace, whilst also ensuring the Council’s strategic aims and objectives are met.
The Law & Governance service is responsible for the provision of a full and varied range of legal services to the Council and its wholly-owned companies as well as the democratic and political management arrangements of the authority including the conduct of elections, corporate and Ombudsman complaints. We are currently supporting a range of development and regeneration projects in the city including the Oxpens Project, the Blackbird Leys Regeneration Project, South Oxford Science Village and the Go Ultra Low Oxford EV Charging Points Project.
As a qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive you will have in-depth knowledge and experience of commercial and contract law in the context of major regeneration and housing projects, as well as a broad understanding of local government law. A familiarity with standard forms of construction contract would be helpful. Working closely with other subject matter experts you will provide complex legal and procedural advice to project boards, elected members, agents and other internal and external stakeholders. Business acumen and awareness of the political and corporate implications of decisions are therefore key to success. Exceptional communication, negotiation, collaboration and problem solving skills are also required for this role.
Although you will work on a range of high-profile housing, regeneration and infrastructure projects, you will first focus on our ambitious housing and community development plans, including new homes in the region. You will be a member of the project team from its inception, advising and supporting internal clients, helping to guide projects through the Council’s internal governance procedures, and generating positive results for our residents, elected members and senior officers. It’s a role that gives you next-level challenge and exposure, as well as considerable autonomy in the way you work. Benefiting from the support of a collaborative team and line management, you will in turn share your technical knowledge to improve and develop others.
This is an opportunity to apply your legal and professional expertise to the realisation of large projects with high social and economic value within a leading local authority. We are looking for a candidate who can draft and advise on all the relevant contractual and corporate documentation as well as advising on the Council’s powers to acquire and develop land. A flexible and dynamic attitude will help you progress in this varied, fast-paced multi department/multi agency environment.
We are flexible about where you work although some occasional attendance at our offices at the Town Hall in Oxford will be required.
If you feel you meet these criteria and can demonstrate as such in your application and, are motivated by working for an inclusive and diverse organisation that is determined in its ambition to build ‘a world class city for everyone’, ensuring ‘excellent public services are at the heart of everything we do’, then we would love to hear from you.
Our ambitious leadership team and dedicated staff are working hard to achieve our Vision2050 building a world class city for everyone. Oxford City Council has accelerated plans to build more affordable and council housing in the city. We provide services to help reduce inequality and improve the health and wellbeing of Oxford’s residents and are taking a lead on reducing emissions and increasing biodiversity to become a net carbon neutral city of the future.
We are a supportive and collaborative bunch of people working towards shared goals, where new ideas and initiatives are valued. We strive to deliver service excellence, take accountability for our actions and communicate with honesty and respect. There has never been a more exciting time to join us! Help us to build successful places in which to live and work and build a fairer, greener city in which everyone can thrive.
We offer:
- a generous holiday allowance of 28 days a year (plus bank holidays) with an additional 4 days after 5 years’ service
- the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
- a staff offers discount scheme as well as other great benefits
We are committed to supporting career development opportunities and learning and development.
More information is available on the role profile document. Please read this document to ensure that you meet our requirements. More information about working for the Council, our values and vision, is available on our web site.
Applications should be made via our online application system.
For further information and how to apply online, please visit www.oxford.gov.uk
If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848.
Note: For roles that require a DBS Certificate (Enhanced and or Barred List check), candidates are required to supply their complete work history. If you are making an application using a CV please ensure you explain any gaps in your work history.
We usually do1st interviews online but please let us know if this is not an option for you. For hybrid roles the successful applicant will be expected to work from home. You should ensure that you have reliable and secure wifi access; a suitable workspace and are prepared to undertake distance learning and training.
Closing Date:
01 December 2023
Late applications will not be processed
Interview Date(s):
Week commencing 11 December 2023
For an informal discussion about the post please contact Tom Woodhams on 01865 529442 or email twoodhams@oxford.gov.uk
We are an equal opportunity employer:
We are striving to become a more inclusive employer and to represent the communities that we support. We have policies in place to ensure that every applicant and employee can flourish and succeed. Currently we are underrepresented in some areas, and would particularly welcome applicants from ethnic and minority communities. All applicants will be given fair consideration for work and will not receive less favorable treatment on the grounds of any protected characteristic.