Head of Commercial Contracts Property Planning Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom Posted On 25/03/2026 Job Information Work Experience 4-5 years Interim & Executive Management City Bexley Province Bexley Postal Code DA15 Job Description 3 month contract role with a Local Authority Job Summary:

The Head of Commercial (Contracts, Property and Planning) is a senior legal role within the Legal Services department of the London Borough of Bexley. The postholder will provide expert legal advice and oversight on planning, property, and commercial matters, including s106, s38, and s278 agreements. This role includes leading and managing a team of contract, planning, and property lawyers, deputising for the Monitoring Officer, contributing to the Council’s corporate agenda, and providing guidance to members and committees.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

Draft, negotiate, and complete legal agreements relating to planning and highways (s106, s38, s278) and other licences. Advise on planning and highways law, property, and commercial matters. Lead, manage, and supervise a team of legal professionals (contract, planning, and property lawyers). Contribute as a member of the Legal Services Management Team. Provide training and guidance to elected members and staff. Attend and advise at planning committees and other council committees as required. Deputise for the Council’s Monitoring Officer, including attendance at high-level meetings. Support the progression of the Council’s corporate objectives and legal agenda.

Skills/Experience:

Qualified solicitor or barrister with extensive experience in planning, property, and commercial law. Strong experience in drafting and negotiating s106, s38, s278 agreements and other related licences. Proven leadership and management experience of legal teams. Experience providing strategic legal advice to local authorities or similar organisations. Strong knowledge of planning, highways, property, and commercial law. Ability to provide member training and guidance. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and advisory skills. Experience deputising for senior legal officers, including attending high-level meetings. Competence in managing multiple priorities and complex legal cases.

Additional Information:

Employment type: Temporary / Interim (12 weeks). Hours: 36 hours per week, 1–2 days in the office, remainder remote.

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