Non-contentious Procurement Associate 1+ years’ PQE LEEDS

Commercial law firm in Leeds is looking to recruit a Procurement Associate of 1 or more years’ PQE to their team in Leeds. The team delivers first-rate both advisory and disputes work across the full range of procurement regulation. They are currently looking to recruit an advisory (non-contentious) lawyer, to support the team's ongoing growth. You will have the opportunity to work on high value, innovative and cutting-edge Procurement law matters. This will involve significant responsibility and the opportunity to grow your individual profile, within a supportive, collaborative environment working as part of an experienced, dynamic and knowledgeable team.

The advisory work includes numerous nationally and internationally significant projects and includes the first of a new species of private finance projects in the Utilities sector. The advisory team also works side-by-side with specialist Procurement disputes lawyers, providing technical and strategic input into contentious matters, including behind the scenes settlements and major Court cases. The team's varied workload covers all of the mainstream Procurement regulations (public sector, utilities and concessions), alongside sector-specific rules such as the Public Passenger Transport Regulation. The role requires strong technical expertise, teamwork and enthusiasm and the work will involve:

• strategic advice, to authorities / utilities and their contracting partners, on procurement issues such as the availability of exemptions to make direct awards and contract modifications

• drafting procurement documents, including adverts, selection questionnaires and invitations

• advising bidders on their tenders, including assisting behind the scenes on issues that arise during the course of the process

• working with the disputes team to advise on the merits of procurement claims, from a claimant, defendant and interested party perspective

• supporting the disputes team in the preparation of claims/ defences

• providing procurement support to major projects being led by colleagues specialising in construction, real estate, infrastructure, energy, water, regeneration, transport and healthcare

The successful candidate will also be expected to play a leading role in business development initiatives including client publications, articles and speaking engagements (including delivering both internal and external procurement training).