Associate – Public Procurement – Exeter – 3–6 Years PQE
Location: Exeter
Type of Role: Permanent, Full-time (with hybrid flexibility)
Salary: £65,000 to £85,000 (DOE)

A well regarded national firm is seeking an Associate (3–6 years PQE) to join its high performing Public Sector team in Exeter, specialising in public procurement law. The team is consistently ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers and advises local authorities, utilities providers, central government and wider public sector bodies on major national projects across sectors including EV charging, telecommunications, regeneration, marine, social housing, social care, transport, energy and asset management.

The Role
You’ll be responsible for delivering high quality advice across a broad range of non contentious public sector matters, including:

• Advising on the application of public procurement rules
• Drafting and negotiating public sector contracts
• Advising on grant funding, subsidy control and local authority vires
• Supporting colleagues across the firm on major public sector projects
• Assisting the disputes team with procurement challenges
• Managing your own caseload with appropriate supervision
• Contributing to the development of the firm’s public sector offering

Candidate Requirements
This role is suited to a qualified solicitor with:

• 3–6 years PQE, ideally with experience advising public sector clients or working in house within a public body
• Strong technical understanding of public procurement law (essential)
• Knowledge of public sector contracts and/or subsidy control (desirable)
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
• Confidence handling complex matters proactively and diligently
• Strong commercial judgment and awareness of the legal and political pressures facing public sector clients
• High attention to detail and a collaborative mindset
• Motivation, organisation and a proactive approach to professional development

Benefits
The firm offers:

• A supportive, forward thinking and values driven working environment
• Clear career progression pathways
• Hybrid working and strong work life balance support
• Opportunities to engage in responsible business initiatives, charity work and D&I groups
• A comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and professional growth

How to Apply

If this opportunity sounds of interest or you’d like a confidential conversation about your next career move, please contact:

Email: oliviareed@chadwicknott.co.uk
Phone: 0117 917 1515 / 07711 799761

At Chadwick Nott, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture as well as supporting our large client network achieve the same. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other personal characteristic. Where a level of experience is indicated, please note that this is only a guideline.