Role Title: Principal Lawyer

Number of Hours per week: Full time/ 4 days a week would be considered

Contract:

Permanent Salary: £46,464 - £50,512 per annum plus Market forces Supplement of £5000 per annum (annually reviewed)

This senior role within the legal team will assist the Head of Legal Services and Director of Legal and Governance in the provision of an effective shared legal service to both Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council. You will lead on all planning matters across the two Councils so will have good working knowledge of relevant planning legislation and guidance. You will be a qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive with relevant experience of dealing with a wide range of complex legal issues and will be able to demonstrate that you are capable of providing prompt and accurate advice. In addition, you will have excellent drafting skills as you will deal with a range of s106 agreements for the two authorities and be responsible for keeping template agreements up to date. You will also manage the Senior Lawyer (Planning) and the Senior Lawyer (Litigation) to ensure the efficient and effective use of resources particularly with regard to planning and litigation matters within the team.

Relevant local government experience as well as having experience of dealing with councillors and committees would be an advantage but is not essential. It is however important to have sound judgement and be hard working. Being a team player is vital as you will be expected to assist and advise junior members of the team as well as working closely with a range of officers across several directorates.

About you

The successful candidate will:

* work well to deadlines and under pressure

* be self motivated and committed

* have excellent written and verbal communication skills

* have good negotiating skills

* be accurate, systematic and creative

* demonstrate ability to deal with sensitive and confidential matters

* have a flexible and adaptable approach

* have excellent IT skills

* have ability to draft and review reports/committee minutes

What we can offer

Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result 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:

* Agile Working

* 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

* 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.

To discuss the post or for further information, please call Heather Peachey on 01684 862348

Closing date: Sunday 30th June 2024

Interview date: Monday 8th July 2024

Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.