Commercial Contracts Lawyer/ Manager

At Version 1, we pride ourselves on being business enablers with our “Easy-To-Do-Business-With” approach. 

We view contract review as a collaborative process involving both (a) internal collaboration with stakeholders across our Commercial, Finance, Practice, Compliance and Data Protection functions and (b) external collaboration with our customers and key suppliers. 

We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Commercial Contracts Lawyer or Contracts Manager to help shape and mature the Legal function at Version 1.  You’ll be welcomed into a dynamic, flexible, friendly Legal Team which is underpinned by policies, processes and checklists for contract review.  We always have each other’s back and have developed effective ways of connecting while working digitally.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in commercial contracting, public sector frameworks, subcontractor management, and legal compliance across emerging regulatory landscapes, and who is eager to contribute to the development of a high-impact legal function.

Key Responsibilities

• Steeped in contract review and have successfully negotiated many commercial contracts in recent years, including contracts with customers, partners and suppliers, and Framework/Call-Offs
• Lead and support contract negotiations under Public Sector Frameworks
• Advise on subcontractor relationships, including flow-down of obligations and compliance with prime contract terms
• Competent at reviewing contracts with an eagle-eye to identify risks and areas that deviate from company policy
• Solutions/business-minded – you’ll be adept at keeping stakeholders engaged at all steps of the process and shifting focus to align with business needs.  Balancing risk against reward is part of how you operate.
• An experienced, active negotiator who can listen with empathy and drive the right results for Version 1
• Collaborative and effective at escalating policy deviations to the designated approvers and explaining contract risks in plain English
• Skilled in working across functions to develop internal policies, procedures and best practices in relation to contracts
• A trusted advisor to the business who thinks in terms of solutions

• Qualified solicitor (UK or Ireland) or experienced Contracts Manager with commercial contracts training
• Extensive experience in commercial contracts within the IT services sector, but we are open-minded
• Proven experience working with UK Public Sector Frameworks
• Strong understanding of Subcontractor Agreements and Public Procurement Rules
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise at all levels
• Solid grasp of legal and regulatory compliance – particularly GDPR, NIS2, AI Act, and DORA – is desirable but not essential.

Why join Version 1?  

• Share in our Success: Excellent base salary plus bonus & an opportunity to join our new V1 Equity success scheme

• Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  

• Professional Growth: We offer peer mentorship programs and career development opportunities to help you reach your full potential. 

• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements. 

• Supportive Community: Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and mutual support. 

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their well-being, professional growth, and financial stability.

We also offer a range of tech-related benefits, including an innovative Tech Scheme to help keep our team members up-to-date with the latest technology.

We prioritise the health and safety of our employees, providing private medical and life insurance coverage, as well as free eye tests and contributions towards glasses. Our team members can also stay ahead of the curve with incentivised certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.

Our employee-designed Profit Share scheme divides a portion of our company's profits each quarter amongst employees. We are dedicated to helping our employees reach their full potential, offering Pathways Career Development Quarterly, a programme designed to support professional growth.

PLUS, many more exciting benefits… drop us a note to find out more.