Deputy Principal - Property

Closing Date: 31/05/2026

Job Category: Legal

Service Area: Law & Governance - Legal

Package Description:

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low-cost leasing of electric and low-emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

Job Introduction:

We’re recruiting a Deputy Principal Lawyer - Property to join our Law and Governance service at Milton Keynes City Council. This is a rewarding senior legal role where you’ll help shape how we manage, protect and develop the city council’s land and property interests. You’ll support the Head of Legal, Commercial and Place, lead and develop a skilled property law team, and provide expert legal advice on complex property matters that directly support our ambitions for Milton Keynes.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We work as One Council, focused on improving outcomes for our communities, tackling inequality and supporting sustainable growth. If you’re an experienced property lawyer who enjoys leadership, problem-solving and making a real impact, this is the role for you.

This role may be suitable for home working, following an assessment. Home-based roles require a minimum of one day per week working from the office or site. Interviews for this role will be held on 18th June 2026.

You’ll support the Head of Legal, Commercial and Place and deputise for the Principal Lawyer when required. You’ll help lead the Property legal team and champion continuous improvement and efficient ways of working. Manage and supervise property lawyers and paralegals handling a mixed property caseload. Ensure legal work is high quality, timely and aligned to council objectives. Hold responsibility for your own complex property caseload, including advocacy where appropriate. Build strong working relationships with client teams and key stakeholders. Share a clear understanding of client needs across the team.

About The Organisation:

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.