Rodeo
Get started

Hugh James

Associate - Procurement and Public Sector

Cardiff
Posted 1 day ago
Sign up to applySee more jobs like this
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever

How your CV stacks up

1Upload CV
2Analyse CV
3Improve CV

Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role

?%

Associate or Senior Associate - Corporate Commercial

We are looking for an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join our Corporate Commercial team in Cardiff, with a particular focus on procurement and public sector commercial contracts/projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor who enjoys working on varied, high-quality matters and wants to play a key role in developing a growing area of the team.

The role would suit someone with experience in commercial and procurement work, ideally with a strong interest in public sector clients, regulated procurement, outsourcing, grant-funded projects, collaboration arrangements and major service or infrastructure projects.

The Role

You will work closely with partners and senior lawyers both in the Corporate Commercial team and in multi-disciplinary teams across the firm, advising clients across the public, third and private sectors on a broad range of commercial and procurement matters.

The work will include:

  • Advising on public procurement law and procedure, including procurement strategy, tender documentation, evaluation, award processes and procurement challenges;
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, including services agreements, framework agreements, outsourcing contracts, collaboration agreements, grant agreements and supply arrangements;
  • Supporting clients on public sector projects, including regeneration, service delivery, technology, infrastructure and partnership arrangements;
  • Advising on contract management, variations, extensions, risk allocation and termination issues;
  • Working with colleagues across the firm on multidisciplinary projects, including corporate, property, construction, regulatory and dispute resolution matters;
  • Supporting business development activity and helping to grow the public sector and procurement practice;
  • Building strong client relationships and delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice.

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

See breakdown
Save jobNot relevant
View details

It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

See breakdown
Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

See breakdown
Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

About You

We are looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware and keen to develop their profile in this area.

You will ideally have:

  • Experience as a solicitor in commercial contracts, procurement, public sector projects or a related area;
  • An understanding of public procurement principles and the legal framework applying to public sector contracting in England or Wales;
  • Strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills;
  • The confidence to manage your own matters, with appropriate supervision and support;
  • A practical, solutions-focused approach to client work;
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly;
  • An interest in helping to grow the team and contribute to wider business development;
  • A collaborative approach and a willingness to work across teams.

Get help with your application

Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.

Get help applying for this job

Public sector experience would be particularly welcome, although we are also interested in candidates with strong commercial contracts experience who are keen to develop further expertise in procurement and projects.

This is a key appointment for the team and offers genuine scope for progression. You will be joining an established, supportive and highly regarded Corporate Commercial team, with the opportunity to help shape and grow our public sector commercial and procurement offering.

The role will be based in Cardiff, with flexibility in line with the firm’s hybrid working arrangements. You will have access to high-quality work, direct client contact, supportive supervision and the opportunity to develop as a specialist in a growing practice area.

Why Hugh James?

Hugh James is a leading law firm with a strong reputation for delivering clear, practical and commercially focused advice. We work with a wide range of clients across Wales and England, including public bodies, private sector organisations, charities, education providers and not-for-profit organisations.

We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a collaborative team, contribute to excellent client service and help us continue to grow our commercial and procurement practice.

Trusted by 25,000+ job seekers

“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”

Jessica, London

Get help applying for this job

Location

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Sign up to applySee more jobs like this