Our client is one of Europe's leading infrastructure contractors, specialising in the Engineering, Construction, Financing & Asset Management on major infrastructure projects.

They have recently relocated their Head Office to London and are recruiting for a Junior Contracts Lawyer, to deliver contract and legal support to the UK Head of Legal and the International Legal Counsel on major infrastructure projects abroad including water, hydropower, road and rail.

Reporting into the Head of Legal, they will provide support throughout the project lifecycle, from EoI, feasibility and concept through specification, contract negotiation and award, to design and delivery of these large infrastructure construction projects.

Ideally, we are looking for a UK qualified lawyer with circa 5-8 years post-qualification experience, with previous experience of working within the construction, infrastructure or real estate sectors, and experience of drafting and negotiating legal and commercial documents.

They will be used to working in fast-paced commercial environment, whilst working to tight deadlines and delivering high quality work on a range of legal and commercial issues.

The role will also support other group entities such as the Swiss, Austrian, Italian and Turkish companies. Travel to international destinations will be required from time to time.

Role, responsibilities & development opportunities:

• To assist in the review and management of prequalification criteria and compliance at pre-tender stage.
• Drafting and checking of legal documents such as Memorandum of Understanding, Expression of Interest, Letter of Intent, Non-disclosure agreements etc.
• Undertaking project work of a legal or commercial nature for the group as required.
• Supporting in the preparation, negotiation and execution of various high value and strategic contracts.
• Provide support to internal governance and approval processes, including coordinating with compliance, risk,' finance and other internal stakeholders as appropriate.
• Liaising with internal and external counsel to obtain, challenge and finalise legal advice/opinions on various projects.
• Identify and escalate any potential early project risks and opportunities to the Head of Legal in a timely fashion and ensure that they are managed accordingly.
• Liaise across the project teams to promote a clear understanding of the contractual relationships and requirement between the various parties and stakeholders.
• Monitor compliance with company commercial procedures and corporate governance requirements, and raise any issues in a timely fashion
• Review and monitor existing contracts to ensure the process is administered correctly to protect the company.
• Provide monthly reviews and reports on contract results and performance.
• Develop an understanding of variations, claims, mediations and the dispute process within the construction environment, and be able to assist and advise the Head of Legal, commercial and wider project teams accordingly.
• Assist and support the Head of Legal in advising and supporting multi-disciplinary teams across the business to provide sound, commercial legal advice, including the drafting, reviewing, analysing and negotiation of a wide range of agreements and legal documents.
• Bring to the attention of the Senior Leadership team new or updated laws, regulations and directives which may impact the company and its subsidiaries, conducting legal research into the same and presenting findings to the business.

Qualifications/ Skills:

• UK or Common Law Qualified Solicitor with circa 5 years post-qualification experience (relevant pre-qualification experience considered).
• Degree qualified, or equivalent.
• Experienced in the drafting and checking of legal documents (MOU's, EoI, NDA's etc.).
• Experience working within the construction, infrastructure or real estate sectors.
• Take ownership, direct and influence across the board.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Proactive self-starter.
• Foreign languages are an advantage.

The role is office based 4 days a week in the heart of London, with flexibility on start times (08:00 - 10:00) and comes with an excellent benefit package , including; private medical & dental, income protection, Life assurance and Critical illness cover, Smart pension, buy or sell back holiday days, study support.