PUBLIC PROCUREMENT

Senior Associate / Partner

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate or Partner specialising in Public Procurement. This is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially minded procurement lawyer with deep expertise in Irish and EU public procurement law to play a leading role in advising clients on public sector procurement.

The successful candidate will also work at the forefront of digital public procurement, advising on complex technology contracts, digital transformation initiatives, and strategic procurement matters for public sector bodies, utilities, private sector clients, and suppliers competing in regulated markets. This role offers significant client exposure and the opportunity to shape innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving area of law.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Procurement Law & Compliance

• Advise on all aspects of Irish and EU public procurement law, including the Public Contracts Regulations (S.I. No. 284 of 2016), Utilities Regulations, and relevant EU Directives (2014/24/EU)
• Provide guidance on procurement strategy and execution, selection and award criteria, evaluation methodologies, and debrief requirements
• Draft comprehensive procurement documentation including OJEU/eTenders notices, tender specifications, evaluation guidance, evaluation reports, and contract templates
• Advise on compliance with the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) guidelines, circulars, and the Public Spending Code
• Counsel on procurement thresholds, procedure selection (open, restricted, competitive procedure with negotiation, competitive dialogue), and framework agreements
• Provide advice on contract modifications, variations, and FOI requests related to procurement processes

Project Management & Client Relationship

• Manage complex, multi-jurisdictional procurement projects from inception through to completion
• Work collaboratively with other practice areas including construction, infrastructure, energy, corporate, data protection, and regulatory teams
• Develop and deliver procurement training to clients and internal teams
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including public sector procurement professionals, Central Purchasing Bodies, and industry participants

Strategic Advisory

• Advise public sector bodies, contracting authorities, and Central Purchasing Bodies (CPBs) on the legal and regulatory aspects of public procurement
• Provide strategic counsel on the implementation of digital procurement platforms, eProcurement systems, eInvoicing, eCatalogues, eOrdering, and contract management systems
• Advise on the procurement of technology, software, digital infrastructure, and ICT services for public sector transformation projects
• Support clients in developing procurement strategies that align with Ireland's digital government agenda, including Connecting Government 2030 and the Digital Ireland Framework

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified solicitor in Ireland with 5-8+ years PQE for Senior Associate level, or 8+ years PQE with partnership potential for Partner level.
• Significant experience in public procurement law
• Deep understanding of Irish public procurement regulations and EU procurement directives
• Strong knowledge of EU and Irish administrative law, regulatory frameworks, and public sector governance
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex procurement documentation and commercial contracts
• Track record of managing diverse caseloads and delivering commercially pragmatic solutions
• Excellent client relationship management skills with the ability to work directly with senior stakeholders

Highly Desirable:

• Experience advising on digital transformation initiatives within public sector procurement
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in public procurement (AI, blockchain, automation, data analytics)
• Familiarity with Ireland's digital government strategies including Connecting Government 2030, Digital Ireland Framework, and Public Service Transformation 2030
• Understanding of the role of the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and sectoral Central Purchasing Bodies (Health, Education, Local Government, Defence)
• Experience with eTenders platform, eProcurement systems, and digital procurement lifecycle tools
• Knowledge of data protection law (GDPR) and cybersecurity requirements in public sector contexts
• Experience in construction procurement, infrastructure projects, or PPP/concession arrangements
• Experience conducting in-house procurement training and capacity building
• Membership or involvement with professional bodies such as the Law Society's Public Procurement working groups, Society of Construction Law, or similar organisations