Head of Legal

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Head of Legal to join Wakefield Council, a stable and ambitious local authority in the heart of Yorkshire. This highly rewarding role will bring challenge, growth opportunities, and engaging work, so don’t miss out on the chance to lead Wakefield Council’s amazing Legal team!

About Wakefield:

Wakefield is a district of over 350,000 people with a diverse range of city, urban and rural communities. With an £8 billion economy and huge strengths in health and care, manufacturing and logistics, and arts and creative sectors, Wakefield is proud of its heritage of making and creating.

Overall purpose:

The Head of Legal will provide clear and effective strategic leadership and management across the Council’s Legal and Emergency Planning services ensuring effective collaboration with district partners to deliver shared strategic outcomes.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic leadership and management across the Council’s Legal and Emergency Planning services.
2. Budget handling and monitoring performance.
3. Ensuring governance arrangements are met, including constitution, policies, and procedures.
4. Provide advice to the Council’s cabinet and corporate management team.
5. Direct line management responsibility for service managers.
6. Acting as the Deputy Monitoring Officer for the Council with responsibility for issues relating to Member conduct for the Council and 24 Parish Councils.
7. Monitoring Officer for West Yorkshire Joint Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer for YPO (Joint Committees).
8. To deputise for the Chief Legal Officer at Council, Cabinet, Corporate Management Team, and other relevant meetings.
9. Advising on strategy and policy development.

Experience and qualities required:

The successful candidate will be someone ambitious, pragmatic and solution-focused. Wakefield Council is looking for someone who can facilitate excellent team cohesion within the department and who is not afraid to push the boundaries of their comfort zone.

To be considered for this position, you will either have worked in a similar role already, or you may be looking to take the next step in your career. Candidates currently working at Principal and Team Leader (or similar) level will be considered, as long as you can demonstrate sufficient experience and appetite for this role.

It is essential to have prior experience working in local government and to be a qualified lawyer (Solicitor or Barrister). Experience of working as a Deputy Monitoring Officer or being involved in governance matters is highly beneficial.

Benefits:

1. Generous annual leave allowance starting at 31 days a year.
2. Local Government Pensions Scheme.
3. Flexible working, including hybrid working and flexible working patterns.
4. Family-friendly policies which include shared parental leave, foster and kinship carer leave and working carer leave.
5. Ongoing professional development opportunities and a commitment to support you to deliver as part of a high-performing team.
6. Expenses for relocation would be considered in line with their Removal & Disturbance terms and conditions.
7. Subsidised Public Transport Passes and City Centre parking.
8. Employee Assistance Programme with Spectrum Life.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this Head of Legal opportunity at Wakefield Council, please apply immediately to be considered for shortlisting and we will arrange a time to discuss the role with you.

Alternatively, should you require further information or wish to discuss your suitability before applying, please do not hesitate to contact India Langman or Chloë Cameron in our Manchester office for a confidential discussion.