Senior Legal Counsel - Construction & Commercial

Senior Legal Counsel - Construction / Commercial Leeds (Hybrid | 2 days office-based) Excellent career development | High-quality work | Flexible working options Are you an experienced Construction Projects or Commercial Contracts Lawyer looking to make a strategic in-house move? Our client is seeking an additional lawyer to join its highly respected in-house contracts team. A key attribute of this role is the built in career progression for you to move to Head of Department within 18 months. This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely varied and influential role, working in a small, supportive team. If you are seeking a position offering autonomy, visibility with senior leadership, and guaranteed career progression, this could be the ideal next step. The work is broad, high-quality and commercially engaging, offering exposure to multi-million-pound projects and a wide range of contractual frameworks. You will be responsible for: - Reviewing, drafting and negotiating commercial contract terms relating to the organisation's professional consultancy services, ensuring alignment with internal legal risk policies. - Advising on a wide range of contracts, including bespoke agreements, industry-standard forms (such as NEC PSC), government frameworks and high-value commercial arrangements. - Providing tender-stage legal input, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision-making and risk assessment. - Supporting project managers on contract negotiations-particularly where terms are complex or commercially sensitive. - Advising senior management on legal risk, compliance and operational impacts. - Reviewing and advising on NDAs and liaising with insurers where required. - Delivering legal training to project managers and other internal stakeholders. - Contributing to the development of the team's solicitor apprentice through supervision and mentoring. - Participating in the exploration of legal AI solutions to support business efficiency and innovation. This is a role with genuine scope to shape your career trajectory, develop specialist expertise and become a highly valued part of a collaborative in-house function. About You The ideal candidate will have: - At least 7-8+ years' PQE in non-contentious construction law or strong in-house commercial contracting experience. - Experience advising on professional appointments and consultancy services. - Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail. - A commercial mindset, with the ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and pragmatically. - Confidence in managing multiple projects, balancing competing priorities and working proactively within a small team. - The ability to build strong relationships across the business, from project managers to senior leadership. Candidates from a commercial contracts background with a demonstrable interest in construction law, are also encouraged to apply. An interest in legal AI is beneficial but not essential. Location: Ideally you will live within commuting distance of Leeds and be able to attend the office a couple of times a week. Hybrid working is standard, and flexible working arrangements (including reduced or compressed hours) are available. Why Apply? - Join a forward-thinking, global organisation committed to innovation and professional excellence. - Be part of a friendly, growing and diverse in-house legal team with direct access to senior decision-makers. - Enjoy genuinely varied, interesting and high-impact work across major UK and international projects. - A strong remuneration package including car allowance and bonus - Benefit from a culture that supports development, including clear progression opportunities. - Enjoy enhanced flexibility, work-life balance and an inclusive working environment. If you are a construction law or commercial contracts specialist seeking a rewarding in-house role with real career development potential, we would love to hear from you.