Head of Commercial Contracts Property Planning

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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