The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) invite applications for the role of Senior Solicitor (Commercial). This is a full-time and permanent opportunity, working 35 hours per week.
Hybrid/home and flexible working is available in the main, with a requirement to travel to SFRS Headquarters in Cambuslang where the Legal Services team is based, or to other SFRS locations for team and/or stakeholder meetings, as and when required.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to secure a senior in-house legal role at the centre of a national public service. As Senior Solicitor (Commercial) with SFRS, you will work on high-profile, high-value legal matters that directly support frontline service delivery across Scotland, in a role that offers real influence, variety and purpose.
Leading on complex commercial, procurement, and property matters, advising senior leaders on legal risk, shaping key decisions, and influencing how SFRS manages major contracts and procurements, this is a role with strong visibility where your advice will help shape organisational outcomes.
Providing expert legal advice across a broad range of commercial work, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements in areas such as digital/IT, construction, services, and property; you will play a vital role in ensuring SFRS receives consistent, practical, and high-quality legal support across the organisation.
You will also advise on public procurement law and compliance, supporting routes to market, tender documentation, supplier engagement, contract award, and challenge risk. Your expertise will help ensure confident, legally sound decision-making across SFRS.
Alongside your technical remit, you will lead, supervise, and develop solicitors within the team, supporting capability building and professional development, and deputise for the Legal Services Manager when required. This gives you the opportunity to contribute not only as a subject matter expert, but also as a visible leader within the wider legal service.
You will work closely with senior management and colleagues across procurement, finance, property, and governance, acting as a trusted adviser on statutory duties, compliance and regulatory responsibilities, including data protection, intellectual property, and equalities. It is an opportunity to build strong strategic relationships and make a meaningful contribution to organisational decision-making.
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor with at least three years’ post-qualification experience, although candidates who can demonstrate an equivalent depth of experience in commercial law, including procurement, contracts, and property will also be considered. You will bring strong experience of public procurement law, complex commercial contracts and legal risk management in a public sector or regulated environment, together with the confidence to advise senior stakeholders on sensitive issues, lead or mentor others, and communicate with clarity, credibility, and sound judgement.
Full details of the role, essential criteria, and our recruitment process can be found in the Recruitment Information Pack. Please ensure your CV and covering letter illustrate clearly how you meet the essential criteria contained within this advert and the Job Description for the role.
Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review – in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements. A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances and subject to experience demonstrated.
SFRS is an Equal Opportunities employer and we encourage applications from all sectors of the community. In addition, we are committed to being a “Disability Confident Employer” and will ensure that all applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are invited for interview. If you require any assistance with the application process, please email People Services at SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk in the first instance.
This post is subject to the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exemptions) Scotland Order 2013. Therefore, the successful candidate will be subject to a Level 2 Disclosure record check through Disclosure Scotland.
This post has also been determined as politically restricted, further information is available in the Recruitment Information Pack.