Group Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

About us:

Wernick is a national provider of permanent and temporary modular buildings, site accommodation and off-grid power solutions.

We serve clients in almost every sector and our wealth of knowledge and experience is available from a nationwide network of service centres.

Since the business was established in 1934 it has been owned and run by the Wernick family.  The Group has over 30 depots and divisional offices nationwide.

About the role:

Wernick has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and capable lawyer to join the Group acting as Legal Counsel.

You will provide legal support to the Group businesses in relation to our supply chain, procurement activities and our construction, manufacturing, hire, power, and event operations. The work will include advising on important procurement activities, negotiating commercial and construction agreements with clients and our sub-contractors/suppliers, and helping resolve contractual issues and disputes that arise from time to time.

The role will be based on-site at our Kenfig office in South Wales.  You will report directly to the CEO and work closely with members of the Executive and Senior Management Teams across the Group.

We currently have an opportunity for a permanent Legal Counsel working a 4-day week.

What you will do:

As Legal Counsel for the Group, you will be:

• Providing legal advice on commercial, construction and contractual issues across the business, helping the business to navigate complex legal issues and overcome the challenges that it encounters. Drafting, negotiating, and advising on the terms of commercial and construction contracts, including (amongst others) standard JCT/NEC contracts, sub-contracts, service level agreements, framework agreements and hire contracts. Identifying, advising on, and mitigating legal risks. Assisting the Group to resolve and manage contractual disputes with third parties. Building strong working relationships with stakeholders across the Group. Helping to deliver contractual training programmes and maintain template documents and guidance notes. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in relevant areas of law and sharing of this knowledge and know-how.

About you

This is what you need to have:

• Proven experience providing legal advice on commercial and construction contracts (gained in-house or in private practice) A solid grasp of contract law and strong contract drafting skills The ability to analyse complex contractual terms and factual scenarios, identify legal and commercial risks and mitigating them Experience of legal aspects of contract negotiations and an ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments and negotiating effectively Ability to apply your legal knowledge in a practical and pragmatic way Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels, communicating clearly and concisely Capability to work autonomously with limited supervision The confidence to challenge decisions and actions when required and to actively contribute to business discussions A solutions-orientated and collaborative attitude. As a guide we are looking for somebody with 3+years PQE, however, we are happy to consider applications from all candidates who believe that they possess the skills, characteristics, and experience to fulfill the role.

What you will get

• Competitive salary 24 days holiday - rising with service (plus public holidays) Option to buy extra holidays Group pension Life assurance Life Insurance 2 x annual salary Employee Assistance Programme Employee Referral Scheme Benefits scheme (discounted retailers scheme) Corporate Eyecare Scheme through Specsavers