Senior Legal Counsel
| Posting date: | 17 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 March 2026 |
| Location: | Chester, Cheshire, M1 4BT |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 4771465_1771322749 |
Summary
Your new company
Join a global, fast‑growing organisation operating within a highly regulated technical and manufacturing environment. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, operational excellence and delivering large‑scale projects with precision. You'll be part of a collaborative, values-driven culture that emphasises trust, accountability, continuous improvement and cross‑functional teamwork.
Your new role
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide strategic legal support to major construction programmes alongside wider technical operations. You'll advise across the full contract lifecycle, drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial and construction agreements, including JCT and NEC3/4 contracts. Your work will directly support operational delivery, risk management and compliance within a complex, fast‑moving environment.
Working closely with Procurement, Engineering, Finance, Compliance and external counsel, you will help shape project strategy and ensure contractual arrangements fully align with legal standards and organisational goals. You will play a key role in identifying legal risks, maintaining compliance with regulatory and industry requirements, enhancing internal processes, improving template agreements and delivering training to raise legal awareness across the business.
What you'll need to succeed
- 5-7+ years PQE, with strong UK experience in construction and technical operations
- Proven experience drafting and negotiating JCT and NEC3/4 contracts
- Strong legal analysis and the ability to advise confidently on complex, high risk matters
- Excellent negotiation skills and a pragmatic, commercially focused approach
- Exceptional organisational abilities and the capacity to manage multiple projects at pace
- A proactive, solutions oriented mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now on 0161 228 7770.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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