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: • Bi-Weekly Payments. • Employment type: Temporary / Interim (12 weeks). • Hours: 36 hours per week, 1–2 days in the office, remainder remote. • Location: Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, Kent.