Trainee Commercial Contracts Lawyer

Job Description

Howdens is looking for a Trainee Commercial Contracts Lawyer to support our Trade Division.Based in Raunds, Northampton and reporting to our in-house Debt Recovery Manager/Solicitor, you will support in providing commercial legal advice on a variety ofcommercial matters, including being responsible for liaising with Supply & Fit contractors, local Depots, suppliers and customers in respect of contract details and amendments. You will also deal with SAR requests from our customers.To be successful in this role, you could be a Qualified Solicitor or trainee working towards NQ and practising certificate or ILEX equivalent (Fellow)or have the relevant experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your commercial contracts careeras part of our Credit Control Legal and Debt Recovery team.You must have a passion for delivering excellent customer service and be able to confidently converse with a variety of people in order to protect Howdens business and reputation. We offer a blend of home and office working depending on business requirements,and there may be some travel with the occasional overnight stay.What will you be doing as Trainee Commercial Contracts Lawyer:

• Manage and maintain the existing contract database, ensuring it is up to date. Negotiate a wide range of commercial arrangements, including but not limited to JCT/NEC contracts on a regular basis with external customers and other businesses
• Ensure contracts are not detrimental to HJ Ltd
• To review contracts and recommend any changes that may be necessary to relevant departments. Identifying, summarising and presenting risk exposure to Depot/senior managers
• Providing legal advice and support to the business in relation to relevant legislation such as (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR – in particular Subject Access Requests
• Promote and co-ordinate communication exercises and training to ensure that business employees at all levels are aware of the impact of relevant legislation and legal issues
• To provide legal reports to senior management
• Assist In-house Solicitor with any litigation or legal matter involving the company
• Liaise with external Solicitors as and when required

What do I need to qualify for the Trainee Commercial Contracts Lawyer:

• Ideally a qualified Solicitor or trainee working towards NQ and practising certificate or ILEX equivalent (Fellow) or with the relevant experience in commercial contracts gained either in a commercial environment, private practice or in-house legal team.
• Competent, confident and diplomatic in all situations with the ability to focus on priority issues
• Strong negotiator with the ability to communicate at any level
• Ability to use positive language and adapt to audience without reverting to jargon or complicated legal terms
• Self-starter and commercially astute
• Flexible, team player who enjoys adapting to changing priorities
• Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook

What can we offer you: Howdens deeply value teamwork and reward our people in line with individual and team success through a competitive package of benefits, including;

• Competitive Salary + target related incentives
• Company bonus – Profit related
• Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with an opportunity to purchase additional days
• Staff discount
• Ongoing support and development
• Friendly and supportive environment offering exceptional reward and recognition

About Us:Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals.With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy workingfor Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.How to apply:We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as a Trainee Commercial Contracts Lawyer, then we are keento hear from you.