Head of Planning and Property (Legal Services)

Southwark Council; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London is seeking a Head of Property & Planning to lead its legal services team. You will provide expert legal advice and ensure good governance while managing a team of property and planning lawyers. Ideal candidates should have planning law expertise and a track record in legal team management. The position offers a salary range of £67,380 - £84,075, plus additional benefits, with flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Additional JNC benefit of £2,724 per annum

Flexible hybrid working

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Qualified legal professional with expertise in planning law.
• Experience managing legal teams within local government.
• Strong leadership and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of senior property/planning lawyers.
• Provide legal advice to Cabinet and client departments.
• Ensure governance and alignment with strategic plans.

Skills

Leadership

Planning law expertise

Team management

Budget management

Collaborative approach

Detail-oriented

Education

Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEX with current practising certificate

Job description

Overview

Southwark Council is seeking a Head of Property & Planning to lead the Legal Services team and shape governance for one of London’s most exciting boroughs. This is a senior management role with responsibility for delivering high quality planning and property law services.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and inspire a specialist team of senior and property/planning lawyers.
• Provide expert legal advice to Cabinet, Committees, Steering Groups and client departments.
• Ensure good governance by upholding constitutional standards and staying ahead of legislative changes.
• Drive strategic excellence by aligning legal insights with Southwark 2030 and the council’s Corporate Delivery Plan.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of service delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or FILEX with a current practising certificate.
• Expertise in planning law, including advising planning committees, regeneration, S106, and development agreements.
• Proven track record of managing and inspiring legal teams within local government.
• Strong leadership and budget management skills with a commercial mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure, balance priorities, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach with a passion for public service.
• Flexible hybrid working (home-based with travel to our London Bridge HQ).
• Exposure to landmark developments shaping London’s future.
• A leadership role where law, governance, and community transformation converge.

Additional Information

About Southwark Council

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and a diverse population. We are committed to making our borough just and fair and tackle inequalities through the Southwark Stands Together initiative.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together underpin all that we do.

Benefits and more information

Salary Range: £67,380 - £84,075

This post attracts an additional JNC benefit to the value of £2,724 per annum.

Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on 5 October 2025

Interview + Presentation Date: 17 October 2025

Inclusion and Equality

We are committed to diversity and tackling inequality. We particularly welcome applications from members of Black, Asian and minority communities to increase representation at senior management level. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements and identify with one of the eligible groups: members of the Armed Forces and veterans; those currently in care or who have previously been in care; or if you are disabled or have a long-term health condition.