At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a legal team in delivering high-quality services for contracts, planning, and property.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Bexley, making a real impact in local governance.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, potential for contract extension, and meaningful work experience.
- Other info: Immediate start available; opportunity for long-term career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local governance while enhancing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive legal team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 67.61 - 67.61 £ per hour.
We are working closely with the local authority in Bexley to assist with the appointment of a Head of Commercial (Contract, Planning & Property), on a 3-month contract, highly likely to be extended at the client's discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration. Rate of Pay: £48.43- £67.61 per hour.
Summary: The Head of Commercial (Contracts, Property and Planning) – Interims provides strategic leadership and specialist legal expertise across commercial contracts, property, planning, highways, and governance matters within the London Borough of Bexley. The postholder leads the delivery of high-quality legal services, ensuring the Council receives timely, commercially focused, and legally robust advice that supports corporate priorities, service transformation, and major regeneration projects.
Responsibilities:
- Lead, manage, and develop the Commercial, Property, Planning, and Contracts Legal Team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services across the Council.
- Draft, negotiate, and complete Section 106 Agreements, Section 38 Agreements, Section 278 Agreements, planning obligations, highways agreements, licences, easements, deeds, and other complex legal documentation.
- Advise on planning law, highways legislation, local government law, commercial contracts, land transactions, regeneration projects, and associated legal risks.
- Ensure legal documentation is accurate, legally compliant, and supports the Council's strategic, operational, and financial objectives.
- Deputise for the Monitoring Officer, providing advice on governance, constitutional matters, ethical standards, decision-making, and statutory compliance.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive (FCILEx) with a current practising certificate (where applicable).
- Degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent recognised legal qualification.
Essentials:
- Extensive experience leading legal teams responsible for commercial contracts, planning, property, and highways matters.
- Expert knowledge of local government law, planning law, highways law, property law, commercial contracts, procurement, and governance.
- Proven experience drafting, negotiating, and completing Section 106, Section 38, and Section 278 agreements, development agreements, and associated legal documentation.
- Strong understanding of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Highways Act 1980, Local Government Act 1972, Localism Act 2011, Procurement Act 2023 (or applicable procurement legislation), Land Registration Act, and related legislation.
- Experience deputising for, or providing support to, a Monitoring Officer on governance and constitutional matters.
Please note: You should be available to work immediately or at short notice. You should have the right to work in the U.K.
Head of Commercial (Contract , Property & Planning) in Bexleyheath employer: Brackenberry
Brackenberry Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the London Borough of Bexley that fosters professional growth and development. As a Head of Commercial (Contract, Property & Planning), you will lead a dedicated legal team while contributing to significant regeneration projects, all supported by competitive pay rates and the opportunity for contract extension. Our commitment to equality and diversity ensures a supportive workplace culture where your expertise in local government law can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial (Contract , Property & Planning) in Bexleyheath
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial (Contract , Property & Planning) in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brackenberry
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Brackenberry.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Brackenberry that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
