Legal and Contract Assistant (23187)

• Advertised Salary: Salary from £28,703 to £32,291
• Function: Head Office
• Job Number: 23187
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Full/Part Time: Full Time
• Total Contracted Hours: 39
• Closing Date: 10 May 2025
• Postcode: PO6 3FE
• Location: Portsmouth, Lakeside North Harbour

As a Legal and Contract Assistant you'll support the Legal and Contract Manager in carrying out legal and contract functions for The Southern Co-operative Limited ("Southern Co-op") and subsidiary/associated organisations.

What you'll get..

• Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days in our Portsmouth Lakeside Head Office
• 31 days leave (incl bank holidays) rising to 36 with service
• 20% store discount
• Healthcare cash plan, pension & share incentive plan
• Life Insurance
• EAP (including 24/7 access to virtual GP and annual health check)
• Financial Wellbeing tools
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Free onsite parking at our Lakeside Head Office
• Training & development opportunities

What to expect..

• Provide expert legal advice and support relating to contractual and procurement matters and in response to business needs.
• Review drafting and negotiating agreements and documents and research legal issues.
• Remain up to date on relevant legal developments and keep the business informed.
• Assist in operating statutory compliance programmes such as in relation to data protection.
• Own and support on all property and ELS (end of life services) contracts.
• Continually improve and enhance the Contract Management framework.
• Review and load all existing contracts, identifying legal and commercial risks and opportunities for efficiencies.
• Provide assistance to and/or cover to the Central Services department.

What we're looking for..

• Legal knowledge in relation to one or more areas of corporate and commercial law.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of key factors such as sustainability, co-operative values and principles, risk management and ethical issues and their relevance in relation to contractual arrangements.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to multi-task.
• High level of literacy and attention to detail.
• Possess excellent communication skills.
• Paralegal qualification desirable.
• 5 GCSE's including Maths & English grade C/4 or equivalent or above.
• 3 A levels grade C/4 or equivalent or above.

About Us

We're an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We're owned by our 300,000+ members, have over 4,000 colleagues and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.