Head of Legal - (Commercial & Projects)

North Yorkshire Council; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government pension scheme

Childcare vouchers

Technology scheme and discounts

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking a senior solicitor to join as Head of Legal for Commercial and Projects. You will lead a growing team within Legal Services and act as a Director of First North Law, delivering pragmatic, cost-effective legal solutions for the Council and external clients.

This role requires a commercial mindset and involves advising on complex contracts, procurement and major capital projects, with opportunities to influence strategy and service delivery across the

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent negotiating and drafting abilities.
• Strategic, commercial mindset with client-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Contracts & Commercial team within Legal Services.
• Advise on complex contracts, procurement and major capital/regeneration projects.
• Act as Director of First North Law and deliver pragmatic, cost-effective solutions for the Council and external clients.

Job description

Help shape the future of commercial legal services.

We are seeking a senior solicitor to join as the Head of Legal for Commercial and Projects work.

This role will be responsible for a number of complex and corporately significant development projects and leading a team within Legal Services. The postholder will also be a Director of First North Law and be responsible for delivering pragmatic and cost-effective solutions to address our growing customers’ legal requirements.

We are looking for a leader who can combine technical excellence with a proactive, commercial mindset. Whether advising on complex contracts, procurement and significant capital and regeneration projects, you will play a key role in delivering outstanding legal services to both the Council and a growing external client base.

About the Service

This is an exciting time to join North Yorkshire Council’s Contracts and Commercial Team. We have a strong and experienced team, with ambitious plans to grow our external legal services offer through First North Law LLP, our wholly owned, SRA-regulated legal services company.

Across the legal service we have over 60 lawyers supported by a dedicated practice manager and paralegal team. The legal service is part of Legal and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive’s Group. The Council provides a range of services across North Yorkshire, and the legal team provide a comprehensive and efficient legal service to officers, the Executive, full Council, its Committees and Members, and external clients.

The Council has just completed the three-year anniversary of the local government reorganisation, which brought together eight councils into the new North Yorkshire Council. This unification creates new opportunities to strengthen local delivery, improve system working and secure greater investment through devolution.

The York and North Yorkshire devolution deal could unlock around £2.4bn of investment over 30 years, focused on economic prosperity and long-term opportunity. This provides a powerful platform for the new Head of Lead to build their career in an era of growth.

You will benefit from working alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration and professional development. If you are ambitious, client-focused and looking for an opportunity to realise your full potential within a successful and growing commercial practice, we would love to hear from you. To be successful, you will be experienced in the areas of work detailed in the job specifications and be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies listed therein.

Why Join Us?

At North Yorkshire Council, we value our people and are committed to supporting your development and career progression.

In addition to your salary, you’ll also benefit from;

• generous holiday allowance.
• membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme.
• childcare vouchers.
• new technology scheme, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments to name a few.

For full details please see Total Rewards Brochure

Contact

For an informal discussion and more information in relation to the role, please contact Jennifer Norton, Assistant Director Legal [e-mail]

Key Dates:

Closing Date: 11th November 2026

Interview Date: 20th November 2026