Principal Lawyer or Senior Lawyer (Planning)

Senior Lawyer (Planning) (Depending On Qualifications And Experience) – 2 year fixed‑term contract, up to £49,282 per annum (pro rata for part time), 37 hours per week (part‑time hours considered). Principal Lawyer (Depending On Qualifications And Experience) – 2 year fixed‑term contract, up to £53,460 per annum (pro rata for part time), 37 hours per week (part‑time hours considered).

We have a vacancy within the Legal Services team to assist with planning matters, particularly s106 agreements and planning queries. We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate that they are keen and highly motivated, with excellent initiative, sound judgment and a flexible approach. You must have good energy, enthusiasm and a real desire to join our small but busy in‑house team.

The role of Senior Lawyer or Principal Lawyer will be offered based on the successful candidate’s skills and experience. The level of work will be commensurate with the post recruited to and will depend on qualifications, relevant experience and knowledge of the Town and County Planning legislation. You will also be expected to act as the legal advisor at Planning Committee, and may be required to take part in working groups, staff focus groups and present training sessions to members and staff. This post will be based in Pershore, with travel to Malvern as required.

About You

• Degree in a related subject
• Qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Legal Executive (Principal role)
• Experience of drafting legal agreements (complex agreements for Principal role)
• Fully mobile with access to transport
• Flexible and adaptable approach with commitment to improving and developing the in‑house legal and governance service
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and statutory time constraints
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive matters
• Hard working
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good negotiating skills
• Sound judgment
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening meetings

Ideally you will have worked in local government and have experience of working with members, but this is not essential. Political awareness and sensitivity is also desirable.

What We Can Offer

Our staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver Our Council Plan to make a positive difference to our communities, our economy and our environment. We are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:

• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
• Committed training programme and development opportunities
• Onsite nursery with 20 % staff discount (Pershore)
• Discounted gym and swim membership
• Health and wellbeing support and a free employee assistance scheme including access to counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.

We are an employer that values face‑to‑face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office‑based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.

Please note: Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK. To discuss the post or for further information, please call Heather Peachey, Head of Legal Services on 01684 862348.

Closing date: Sunday 15 March 2026

Interview dates: Thursday 26 March 2026