Chief Legal Officer

Tile Hill; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandwell Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Legal Officer to be the Council's principal legal adviser, reporting to the Executive Director for Finance and Transformation. This high-profile role combines strategic legal leadership with governance, regulatory oversight, and organisational improvement across Legal Services, Procurement, Registration Services and Data Compliance.

You will advise elected members and senior leaders, drive transformation, and help shape decisions to deliver

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal leadership across a large, politically led council.
• Advise elected members and senior leaders on governance, compliance and regulatory matters.
• Oversee transformation of procurement, governance and professional services.
• Develop high-performing teams and drive organisational improvements.
• Support decision-making with practical, solution-focused advice.

Job description

Join an award-winning council with genuine momentum.

Sandwell Council is one of the West Midlands' largest and most ambitious local authorities, serving more than 300,000 residents across six towns. Having undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, the Council is now focused on building on that progress, driving continuous improvement and delivering excellent outcomes for its communities.

We are now seeking an exceptional legal leader to join us as Chief Legal Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Sandwell's journey.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director for Finance and Transformation, you will be the Council's principal legal adviser, providing strategic legal leadership across a large, complex and politically led organisation. You will advise elected members and senior leaders on significant legal, governance and regulatory matters, ensuring the highest standards of legality, transparency and public accountability.

This is a highly influential corporate leadership role with responsibility for Legal Services alongside a broader portfolio that includes Procurement, Registration Services and Data Compliance. While strong legal expertise is essential, this appointment is about much more than technical legal advice. It is an opportunity to lead organisational improvement, shape governance, oversee key transformation programmes and provide trusted challenge and support at the heart of the Council.

A particular priority will be supporting the ongoing transformation of Procurement, strengthening governance, assurance and organisational controls, while continuing the development of modern, customer-focused professional services that enable the Council to achieve its ambitions.

About you

We are looking for an outstanding legal professional with experience of leading legal services within local government or a comparable public sector environment. As the Council's senior legal professional, you will be a trusted adviser and comfortable providing constructive challenge, navigating competing priorities and helping shape decisions that support both good governance and the delivery of the Council's ambitions.

You will have a track record of leading change and improvement, with experience of modernising services, developing high-performing teams and driving better outcomes. Equally important is your ability to think strategically, influence beyond professional boundaries and provide practical, solution-focused advice that supports organisational success.

If you are looking for a role where your advice is valued, your influence extends far beyond legal services and your leadership can make a lasting impact, we would like to hear from you.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 15th November

Recruitment Timeline:

• Recruitment Webinar: Wednesday 4th November
• Closing Date: Sunday 15th November
• Longlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 19th November
• Psychometric Assessments: Thursday 19th November & Friday 20th November
• Preliminary Interviews (In person in Sandwell): Tuesday 1st December & Wednesday 2nd December
• Shortlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Wednesday 2nd December
• Final Interviews (in person): Tuesday 10th December

If the organisation we’re representing is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you’d like to apply under the scheme, please mention this clearly in bold at the top of your supporting statement. If there are any adjustments that would support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.