Torbay Council
Senior Lawyer (Contracts and Commercial) - 37 hours
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Senior Lawyer (Contracts and Commercial) - 37 hours
Application Deadline: 17 August 2026
Department: Corporate Services
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Team Manager
Compensation: £55,181 - £58,269 / year
Description
The full-time equivalent salary of £55,181 to £58,269 includes an amount for a market supplement of £8,000 per year. This market supplement is reviewed annually.
Job Description & Person Specification > Torbay Council Job Descriptions
About Torbay
Torbay is breathtaking, captivating, and welcoming, occupying a prime position on the south coast of Devon. Currently experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and the Council’s own ambitious transformation programme have given Torbay the opportunity to capitalize on the area’s profile and many assets.
As a small unitary authority, you’ll discover Torbay is a place where you can make things happen quickly. We have real momentum building, fueled by a shared sense of purpose and ambition - which is evident by our success in being awarded the ‘Most Improved Council’ at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2023. We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high-quality services to local people.
About the Role
To complement this journey, we are now seeking a Senior Lawyer (Contracts / Commercial) to join our Legal Services Team to lead our commercial, procurement, and contracts caseload. Providing an opportunity to step into a varied agenda, that straddles both the public and private realm working on behalf of the council, its wholly owned companies, and partners, this is a role that would suit a curious and motivated professional looking to diversify their specialism. Ideally, you will also have a solid understanding of, or previous exposure to, public sector legal work.
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This varied role provides a platform to be actively involved, supporting key agendas pertinent to the success and prosperity of Torbay, its residents, businesses, and wider communities. No two days will be the same, for which those already working within local government will attest to and actively thrive upon. Undertaking the role of Senior Lawyer, alongside your technical ability, you will be an enthusiastic, confident, and creative thinking professional that can influence and drive progress, whilst providing clear and credible advice to senior officers and elected members. In return, you will join a supportive and rewarding organization and team, where your talent will be valued and actively developed. At Torbay Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from our people, and we are excited for you to join us.
We also understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer an enviable hybrid working approach. This is managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings and/or make court appearances in line with the remit of the role. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that is in a great period of change and sees legal services as not simply a support function, but an enabler in the pursuit of the highest standards and outcomes for its residents.
Essential Skills
- Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal to varied audiences.
- Ability to provide clear and accurate complex legal advice in accordance with corporate policies and prevailing legislation in a local government setting.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, to interpret information and determine informed and appropriate solutions.
- As this post meets the requirements of the Immigration Act 2016 (part 7), the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
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Essential Knowledge
- A high level of knowledge of the law and procedure within the specialist discipline.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Admitted and practicing Solicitor, Barrister, or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (or equivalent), with at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
Application Information
We would welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates. This post requires a Standard Criminal Level Check. This will show details of all spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: Torbay Council Job Descriptions
For an informal chat, please contact Samantha Goodwin on 01803 207142 or samantha.goodwin@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 24th August 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Our adverts do sometimes close early - even where there's a published deadline - so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.
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