Senior Lawyer - Contracts & Commercial (Career Grade 9-11)

City of York Council have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, ambitious and innovative lawyer to join our legal services team. If you want to make a tangible difference by supporting the delivery of local projects that matter, and work with a team who are as passionate about our place and public services as you are, this may be the opportunity for you.

The role

The role is based in the Contracts & Commercial team, supporting the Council’s capital projects teams in delivering an iconic programme of change whilst celebrating and respecting the unique character of the city.

You will be involved in a range of multi-disciplined, high-profile projects, such as York Station Gateway, York Outer Ring Road, and an ambitious Housing Delivery Programme, along with other leading edge redevelopment projects.

The role also supports all Council directorates in a wide range of areas, from day-to-day contractual matters through to complex and high value commercial work, such as contract law, procurement and subsidy control, identifying risk and supporting decision making and governance processes.

You will be part of a friendly, supportive team, and will have an opportunity to develop management and leadership skills.

About you

We are seeking to appoint a qualified solicitor with extensive experience in the Contracts & Commercial area. We may consider appointing less experienced candidates if you have particularly relevant experience in major projects work or high value, complex contracts. This is a career grade role, allowing appointment at the appropriate level based on your experience, with the opportunity to progress through the grades to the level of Senior Lawyer. More information about the expected level of experience and qualifications for each of the grades are detailed in the job descriptions attached.

You may have built your career and experience by working in the public sector, but we also welcome applications from candidates who have not worked in the local government legal sector before, those who are looking for a career change or those who may be returning to work after a break.

If you are an ambitious, innovative solicitor, barrister or CILEX with contracts & commercial experience, and would relish the opportunity to influence change, a role within our service area could be your next career move.

Our offer to you

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension scheme
• Salary sacrifice opportunity for Additional Voluntary Contributions to your pension
• 25 days paid annual leave per year, rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programme
• Comprehensive staff benefits package including high street shopping discounts and local savings
• Supportive management who value your contribution and recognise the need for a healthy work/life balance

This role is suitable as a job share opportunity.

This post is deemed as politically restricted. As designated politically restricted officers, employees will not be allowed to undertake certain activities. Please refer to the guidance attached for further information.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

Please note, we do not have a sponsorship licence to sponsor individuals for visas to work in the UK, therefore we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Cathryn Moore (Legal Services Manager - Corporate) at cathryn.moore@york.gov.uk or on 01904 55 2487.

Closing date: Sunday 4 October 2026 at 12 midnight

Interview date: 13 or 15 October 2026