Senior In-House Lawyer (Commercial)

Overview

In this role you will provide expert, pragmatic legal advice on commercial and contract matters within UKRI’s public framework. You will support grant funding, research contracts and related transactions, potentially lead a small legal team, and help guide strategic decisions for a non-departmental public body. You will work with diverse stakeholders across locations, balancing risk with delivering business-focused outcomes. This is a chance to shape high-impact funding and research initiatives in a collaborative, policy-driven environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 days public and privilege leave
• Employee discounts and offers
• Employee assistance programme
• Flexible working options
• Wellbeing initiatives

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of commercial and contract matters, including grant funding and research contracts
• Provide pragmatic, legally robust guidance within UKRI’s statutory framework
• Manage, develop and support a small team of legal professionals (where applicable)
• Build strong client relationships and influence stakeholders across the organisation
• Demonstrate strong legal judgement, risk awareness and ability to prioritise workload

Key requirements

• Qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive in England and Wales
• 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in any discipline; relevant professional qualifications (GDL/LPC/BPTC) may be considered
• Substantial post-qualification experience in commercial and contract law
• Experience advising on grant funding and research contracts; knowledge of subsidy control, public procurement or public law is advantageous
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
• Experience leading and developing high-performing legal professionals (if applicable)

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Proactive, can-do approach
• Strategic and creative thinking
• Commercial and contract law
• Grant funding and research contracts
• Subsidy control (advantageous)

…