Senior Lawyer (Construction Property & Planning) - #1778456

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £65,966 - £71,091
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
  
  

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to explain how you meet the essential criteria for this role (please see the role profile attached).

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Lawyer, you will provide high-quality, strategic legal advice across a wide range of public and regulatory law matters. You will be the lead authority on an expanding portfolio of construction and property issues, including the use of compulsory purchase powers. You will also lead on planning law as SYMCA’s regulatory responsibilities grow.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of regional development, supporting the Mayor, the Combined Authority, and its subsidiaries in delivering transformative projects.

You will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing your own portfolio of complex legal matters while also contributing to larger, cross-functional projects. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure legal risks are identified early and managed effectively, and that legal advice is accessible, timely, and aligned with strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading on legal matters relating to construction, planning, and property law, including the use of compulsory purchase powers.
• Providing expert legal advice on complex, high-value projects and programmes, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of legal documents, including NEC4, JCT, and other construction-related contracts.
• Supporting the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer in ensuring lawful decision-making and governance.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal clients, local authorities, government departments, and commercial partners.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and legal support staff, contributing to their development and the overall effectiveness of the team.
• Managing the procurement and oversight of external legal advice, ensuring value for money and strategic alignment.
• Keeping abreast of legislative and policy developments and proactively advising colleagues on their implications.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You will be a confident and capable legal professional with a strong track record of delivering high-quality legal services in a complex, fast-paced environment. You will bring expertise in construction, planning, or property law, and be comfortable advising senior stakeholders on high-stakes legal matters. Your ability to think strategically, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively will be key to your success in this role.

We’d love to hear from candidates with the following:

• Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive currently in practice.
• Significant post-qualification experience in construction, planning, or property law.
• Strong drafting skills and legal judgement, with experience in complex legal agreements and contracts.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal transactions and provide strategic legal advice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to apply legal knowledge in a practical, solution-focused way.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in the public sector or with combined/local authorities.
• Leadership or management experience, including supervision of junior staff.
• Understanding of local government, transport legislation, and the political environment.
• Membership of (or eligibility to join) a recognised and relevant professional body.
  
  

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave

Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.

Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!

Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications

Holiday – Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.