Ready to lead complex legal work in a borough driving regeneration and growth?
We're looking for two experienced Senior Planning & Procurement Lawyers with experience of highways law to play a key role in delivering the Royal Borough of Greenwich's ambitious regeneration, development, and infrastructure agenda. This is your chance to make a tangible difference, working at the heart of a borough known for its iconic heritage, progressive leadership, and commitment to high-quality public services.
This is a PO6 role plus an attraction payment of up to £10,000 dependent upon experience
About the role
As a Senior Planning & Procurement Lawyer, you will join our collaborative and high-performing Planning & Procurement Team within Greenwich Legal Services. This fixed-term role offers extensive variety and challenge - supporting major planning applications, regeneration schemes, and highways projects across the borough.
You will be responsible for:
- Managing a complex caseload of planning and highways matters, including enforcement, conservation, CIL, and infrastructure agreements.
- Providing high-level legal advice to Elected Members (including Planning Committees), senior officers, and partner agencies.
- Supervising and developing a team of up to 6 legal professionals and overseeing up to 15 consultancy staff.
- Representing the Council in public inquiries, Magistrates' and County Court hearings, and instructing Counsel as appropriate.
- Contributing legal insight to transformation and development projects with borough-wide impact.
- Promoting legal awareness and best practice by delivering training and guidance across the Council.
You will also deputise for the Assistant Head of Legal Services when required and participate in wider corporate initiatives and external meetings, acting as a senior ambassador for Greenwich Legal Services.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking an experienced and motivated lawyer with:
Essential Requirements
- A current practising certificate as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive.
- Extensive knowledge and experience of planning and highways law in a local government or similar context.
- A track record of advising at a senior level and managing complex legal matters.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in advising Members, Committees, and senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing and supervising staff and a commitment to team development and service improvement.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines under pressure, prioritising caseloads effectively.
Desirable
- Experience of advocacy in planning inquiries or relevant courts/tribunals.
- Familiarity with local authority governance and the dynamics of public sector decision-making.
Why Join Us?
Greenwich Legal Services plays a strategic role in enabling the Council to achieve its goals - from new housing to sustainable transport. Join us and you'll work on high-impact legal issues in a supportive, flexible, and values-led environment.
We offer:
- Up to £10,000 attraction payment, paid in 3 stages:
- On commencement
- After successful probation (3 months)
- On confirmation in post
- 29 days annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years' service
- Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme
- Agile/hybrid working arrangements
- Learning and development opportunities tailored to your goals
- Cycle to Work Scheme, season ticket loan, and childcare vouchers
How to Apply
Please complete your application by addressing the Person Specification in your supporting statement. Shortlisting will be based on how well your experience aligns with the essential criteria.
Shape the future of a dynamic borough. Be part of something bigger. Apply today.
Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should there be a high volume of applications received.
