Senior Lawyer - Planning & Procurement

Royal Borough of Greenwich; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is seeking two experienced Senior Planning & Procurement Lawyers. This role involves delivering legal support for major planning applications and regeneration schemes, overseeing a team of up to 6 legal professionals. A strong background in planning and highways law is essential for making a tangible impact in a borough known for its progressive leadership.

Benefits

29 days annual leave, rising to 32 after 5 years

Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme

Agile/hybrid working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Season ticket loan

Childcare vouchers

Qualifications

• Experience managing and supervising staff.
• Track record of advising at a senior level.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex caseload of planning and highways matters.
• Providing high-level legal advice to Elected Members.
• Supervising and developing a team of legal professionals.

Skills

Planning and highways law

Strong written and verbal communication

Team development

Education

Current practising certificate as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive

Job description

Ready to lead complex legal work in a borough driving regeneration and growth?

We’re looking fortwo experienced Senior Planning & Procurement Lawyerswith experience ofhighways lawto 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 PO6role plus an attraction payment of up to £10,000 dependent upon experience

About the role

As aSenior Planning & Procurement Lawyer, you will join our collaborative and high-performingPlanning & Procurement Teamwithin 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 acomplex caseloadof planning and highways matters, including enforcement, conservation, CIL, and infrastructure agreements.
• Providinghigh-level legal adviceto Elected Members (including Planning Committees), senior officers, and partner agencies.
• Supervising and developing a teamof up to 6 legal professionals and overseeing up to 15 consultancy staff.
• Representing the Councilin public inquiries, Magistrates’ and County Court hearings, and instructing Counsel as appropriate.
• Contributing legal insight totransformation and development projectswith borough-wide impact.
• Promoting legal awareness and best practice by deliveringtraining and guidanceacross 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 asolicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive.
• Extensive knowledge and experience ofplanning and highways lawin a local government or similar context.
• Atrack record of advisingat 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 toteam developmentandservice improvement.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines under pressure, prioritising caseloads effectively.

Desirable

• Experience ofadvocacyin 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 onhigh-impact legal issuesin 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 workingarrangements
• Learning and development opportunitiestailored to your goals
• Cycle to Work Scheme,season ticket loan, andchildcare vouchers

How to Apply

Please complete your application by addressing thePerson Specificationin 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.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contactEleanor Penn; [e-mail] 020 8921 5139

To apply please click theApply Nowlink below.