5 Contract Negotiation jobs in the United Kingdom

About Us

Here at Oxfordshire County Council, we're driven by a set of core values that shape everything we do: Always Learning, Be Kind and Care, Equality and Integrity in All We Do, Taking Responsibility, and Daring to Do It Differently. These values aren't just words on a page; they're the principles that guide our work and foster a supportive and ambitious environment for our teams. Within our Regulatory Planning and Enforcement service area, part of the wider Economy and Place directorate, the Transport Development Management Team are committed to delivering sustainable development that aligns with both national and local policies, ultimately contributing to the Council's key priorities and the creation of thriving communities. We believe in collaboration, continuous improvement, and looking forward with analysis and evidence to inform our plans and deliver effective services for our residents.

About the Role

The post of Infrastructure Negotiation Team Leader is a key role at Oxfordshire County Council where you will lead a Team of negotiators to secure in a Section 106 legal agreement the financial and non-financial obligations that will be used to put in place the identified mitigation required to address the impact of new development, ensuring they are compliant with Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations. Your role will require you to lead the team on negotiating the terms of Section 106 legal agreements in discussion with developers, the local planning authority and other interested parties. You will ensure your team provide professional advice on Section 106 matters throughout the development cycle, from the local planning stage through to pre-application discussions to the drafting and completion of legal agreements. This work will include strategic and  complex development sites and represent the Council at planning appeals. The job entails dealing effectively with a range of stakeholders working collaboratively with colleagues across county services and externally, working pro-actively with local planning authorities and developers and landowners. You will support the Transport Development Manager in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with crucial stakeholders, including district councils, developers, and members, fostering a shared understanding of county-wide needs and aspirations through regular collaboration.

About you

A strong, dynamic manager, you will be an experienced professional with a passion for sustainable infrastructure planning and delivery with a focus on fostering strong partnerships. You will demonstrate outstanding communication and management skills, employing excellent judgement and ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations effectively. With a comprehensive knowledge of local and national planning procedures and highway legislation you will provide support and guidance to your team, promoting officer development . With a focus upon continual improvement you will have a passion for doing things differently and will bring this to bear in your role a Team Leader.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working.
• Technology to support agile working where role permits.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday.
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel.
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jason Sherwood at J or Michael Deadman via

Our commitment to:
 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on predefined criteria, including cost, quality, and reliability.
• Conduct thorough market research to understand industry trends and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Negotiate favourable terms, pricing, and service level agreements with suppliers.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from requisition to payment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Analyse spending patterns and identify areas for strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, savings achieved, and potential risks.
• Collaborate with other departments to understand their procurement needs and provide expert advice.
• Stay updated on best practices and emerging trends in procurement and supply chain management.

• Proven experience in a procurement or purchasing role, with a strong track record of successful sourcing and negotiation.
• Excellent understanding of procurement principles, practices, and contract management.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent is highly desirable.

• Lead and manage sourcing activities for assigned categories of goods and services, ensuring alignment with organisational needs and objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities, quality, and financial stability.
• Develop and execute comprehensive negotiation strategies to achieve optimal pricing, payment terms, and service level agreements.
• Manage existing supplier relationships, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring performance meets expectations.
• Identify and implement opportunities for cost reduction and value enhancement within procurement processes.
• Develop and maintain robust supplier performance management systems, including regular reviews and scorecards.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (e.g., Engineering, Operations, Finance) to understand their requirements and ensure supply chain supports business goals.
• Prepare and manage purchase orders, contracts, and other procurement documentation.
• Monitor inventory levels and demand forecasts to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Stay informed about market trends, new technologies, and best practices in purchasing and supply chain management.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Resolve supplier-related issues and disputes in a timely and professional manner.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field; professional procurement qualifications (e.g., CIPS) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of progressive experience in procurement, purchasing, or sourcing roles.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and contract management.
• Strong understanding of sourcing methodologies and supplier evaluation techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in using procurement software and ERP systems.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive and results-oriented approach to work.
• Knowledge of relevant industry-specific materials and services.

OUR FIRM

Avantia Law is leading the way in legal services innovation. Our team of talented lawyers, backed by AI, work with clients to deliver routine legal and compliance work fast and cost-efficiently.

We have experienced exceptional growth and success since our inception in 2019.

Our clients are sophisticated, high-calibre investment funds and asset managers. They expect a premium service – and we deliver. We have a proven track record in this, often winning new clients through referrals.

THE ROLE

We’re looking for an experienced qualified Lawyer to join Avantia on a freelance/ consultancy basis to spearhead the negotiation of investment-related NDAs, Engagement Letters, joinder agreements and non-reliance letters. You’ll manage every phase of the contract process - from initial review and negotiation, guided by client playbooks, all the way through to document execution.

Working closely with fellow global Avantia lawyers and paralegals, you'll dive into fast-paced, high-volume negotiations on pre-M&A contracts (mainly ELs and investment related NDAs), collaborating directly with counterparties while ensuring rapid turnaround times.

This role is fully remote and allows you to practice law flexibly. Due to turnaround times agreed with our clients, we ask for a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, spread across Monday to Friday. However please note that as this is a freelance arrangement, we are unable to guarantee regular work.

COMPETENCIES

• Comfortable with a fast-paced, changing and dynamic environment with the ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Efficient. While we are committed to respecting work-life balance, we also expect staff to move quickly on matters while at work and manage and appropriately prioritise multiple tasks and competing demands and deadlines.
• Committed to delivering a quality service to our clients with a strong work ethic to match.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Our clients value and expect us to provide crisp, concise, and straightforward advice.
• Strong grasp of relevant legal concepts combined with a commercial and pragmatic outlook.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At Avantia, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we firmly believe in equal opportunities for all. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that each individual brings to our team. We embrace diversity in all its forms. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Our hiring process is merit-based, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We encourage you to communicate any reasonable accommodations you may need during the recruitment process and future employment. Please let your Talent team contact know ahead of any interview, we will be happy to suggest or confidentially discuss reasonable adjustments.

Requirements

• Licensed to practice Law in any APAC jurisdiction or an APAC based expat with US/UK/European qualification.
• Must be based in an APAC time zone, due to our client service needs.
• 5+ years’ corporate/ transactional law experience, either inhouse or private practice.
• Familiarity of working with asset managers, investment banks or other financial services firms preferable but not essential.
• Experienced with independently negotiating investment related NDAs and Engagement Letters

Benefits

Compensation for the role will be paid on a fixed per-document basis, details of which will be discussed during the first screening call with our Talent Team.

Recruitment Process

-Call with out Talent Team

-Contract mark-up exercise (independent task)

-Interview with Legal Directors