Team Leader - Regeneration Planning Lawyer

We are now seeking a suitably qualified lawyer (either a solicitor, barrister, or fellow of CILEx) with experience in planning, highways and (ideally) regeneration and compulsory purchase. This is an opportunity to be part of an ambitious and dynamic Council with a substantial growth and regeneration programme including the Purfleet and Tilbury regeneration, DP World Gateway Port and estate renewal programmes together with great transport links that can get you into London within 30 minutes.

Your experience will include some or all the following: advising at committee; drafting routine and complex s106, s278 and s38 agreements; stopping up and diversion of highways and PROWs; as well as advising in relation to planning applications, appeals, enforcement, certificates of lawfulness and the full panoply of matters arising in planning and highways law. Experience of judicial review proceedings is also desirable.

You will have management or leadership experience and / or the ability to assist the Deputy Head of Law (Regeneration) in managing the planning / property team, which will include: -

• appropriate supervision of lawyers;
• ensuring that work is allocated in a fair and appropriate manner and that files are monitored;
• ensuring that client relationships are developed and that clients are kept updated on progress of their matters as required;
• ensuring that work is prioritised and progressed in a timely and professional fashion and that deadlines are met so that the Council’s objectives are achieved.

An understanding or awareness of wider strategic issues that may necessitate coordination with managers or other colleagues across Legal Services or in other parts of the Council together with a proactive approach to ensuring that Legal Services delivers a high quality and professional service to the Council in a seamless and joined up manner.

Experience in advising upon and clearing reports either on your own or together with lawyers specialising in other disciplines as appropriate.

A collegiate approach to working with your colleagues and a willingness to share information, legal updates and best practice with both colleagues in Legal Services and clients.

The right candidate will build positive working relationships with colleagues and clients, be motivated and able to hit the ground running. You will also be able to manage a challenging case load, provide advice on complex matters and demonstrate highly developed negotiation and drafting skills.

As a member of the planning team, you will play a key role in helping to achieve the ambitious agenda of a large unitary authority and its partners. You will also contribute to the achievements of Thurrock Legal by offering high calibre advice and maintaining 12 years of excellent Lexcel standards as well as being part of a team of experienced and friendly lawyers dedicated to making a positive contribution to the Council.

If you have the skills to help us further develop our service, we will reward you with the chance to fulfil your career aims together with market competitive remuneration and a commitment to agile working and professional development 

For an informal discussion about these posts, please contact Benita Edwards on 07966 891 705

Our vision – an ambitious and collaborative community which is proud of its heritage and excited by its diverse opportunities and future.

Here at Thurrock council we are striving to unlock sustainable growth, and lay the foundations for future growth and prosperity of the area.  Situated on the north side of the River Thames bordering Essex, Kent and East London, Thurrock is an area of great contrast, with a well-balanced mixture of beauty and business.  We are determined to improve Thurrock as a place, ensuring we are providing the best services for the people of Thurrock whilst offering the opportunity of prosperity.

Thurrock council is bucking the trend seen across most local authorities, we have a forecast balanced budget to 2021/22 which will provide the council with unique opportunities to change how we do things and improve the offer to our residents and businesses.  Our aim is to create a place where people and businesses want to stay and thrive, and developers and investors want to invest.

We have an exciting and ambitious agenda to deliver here at Thurrock council with £20billion of new investment planned for homes, jobs and infrastructure including £6billion being invested in private sector jobs; 24,500 new jobs planned over the next 20 years - working towards a future where every resident has a good job and £100million new investment in our schools – to ensure our education offer is first class, whilst building upon 97% of our primary schools being “good” or better.

Thurrock is a diverse place, known not only for its ports and logistics centres but home of the Royal Opera House and the expanding intu Lakeside Shopping Centre. Thurrock’s heritage, wildlife sites and breath-taking countryside offer the best of both being perfectly positioned just 35 minutes from central London.

Thurrock Council is an Investors in People (IIP) Gold accredited employer and committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

If you want to be part of an ambitious, exciting yet challenging council, where you can really make a difference join #TeamThurrock now!

How to Apply

Please apply online by clicking Apply. Please submit your CV and Cover Letter detailing how your skills and experience match the job profile and person specification. If you have any difficulties in submitting an application form please email recruitment@thurrock.gov.uk