Head of Legal Projects and Regeneration

North Yorkshire Council; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Solicitor to lead its Legal Services for Projects and Regeneration. The ideal candidate will have substantial post-qualification experience as a solicitor, with expertise in managing complex legal matters and supporting a small team. This role offers opportunities for professional growth, with relocation support and benefits including a market-leading pension scheme and flexible hybrid working practices.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working practices

Market-leading pension scheme

Generous leave entitlement

Commitment to staff development

Relocation support up to £8,000

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in law.
• Proven expertise in regeneration projects.
• Demonstrated skills in managing legal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team within Legal Services.
• Manage complex development projects.
• Work with external legal advisers.

Skills

Handling complex legal matters

Providing strategic advice

Understanding corporate governance

Knowledge of local authority law

Education

Qualified solicitor

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for asenior solicitor to join our ambitious and high performing legal service as the Head of Legal for Projects and Regeneration work. This role will be responsible for a number of complex and corporately significant development projects. In addition to leading and managing a small team within Legal Services the postholder will work with client project teams and partner organisations whilst managing external legal advisers to ensure cost-effective solutions.

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 role represents a fantastic opportunity for the right person to develop a career and team within the Council and be surrounded by a supportive, established team of professionals who will help individuals grow and develop within their roles.

As England's largest county, North Yorkshire's natural beauty is captured in its stunning coastlines, scenic rural villages and market towns, as well as two spectacular national parks. North Yorkshire really is a beautiful place to live and work, rich in heritage and culture. If you are moving to North Yorkshire we will support your relocation with up to £8,000 expenses reimbursement.

There are a range of benefits available to employees such as flexible hybrid working practices; a market-leading pension scheme; payment of solicitor’s annual practicing certificates; a generous leave entitlement; a commitment to staff development and continuous learning, together with access to modern technologies to aid flexible working practices. More information can be found in our Total Rewards Brochure.

The Council is approaching its three-year anniversary following local government reorganisation in April 2023, bringing 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.

What you can bring

To be successful, you will be experienced in the areas of work detailed in the job specification and be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies listed therein. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience; has proven expertise in handling complex legal matters and providing strategic advice in relation to regeneration projects; and who understands corporate governance and local authority law.

A one-off recruitment payment of up to 10% of base salary would be considered for the right candidate, subject to experience.

Contact

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

Key Dates

Close date 1st February 2025

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.