Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council; Illston on the Hill; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for a Head of Legal Services to lead legal, procurement, and governance functions. This role involves providing expert legal advice, managing a team, and driving service innovation. The ideal candidate will be a qualified Solicitor or Barrister, with experience in local government law and strong leadership abilities. The position offers a hybrid working model with competitive benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Significant post qualification experience in legal services.
• Proven track record in leading legal teams effectively.
• Strong understanding of local government law and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Legal Services and Procurement.
• Provide expert legal advice across various areas.
• Drive service transformation and innovation.

Skills

Leadership skills

Legal expertise

Communication skills

Team development

Political acumen

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Are you a dynamic, forward-thinking legal professional ready to lead and inspire? Harborough District Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Legal Services to drive our legal, procurement, and information governance functions, and to act as Deputy Monitoring Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity in a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our organisation, offering the chance to make a real difference for our residents, businesses, and communities. You'll join a supportive, ambitious senior leadership team, working collaboratively to deliver our Corporate Plan and ensure the highest standards of governance and service.

About the Role

• Lead and manage Legal Services, Procurement, Information Governance, and Corporate Support.
• Provide expert legal advice across a broad range of areas including contracts, property, planning, litigation, and governance. Act as Solicitor to the Council and Deputy Monitoring Officer, upholding the highest standards of conduct and probity.
• Drive service transformation, innovation, and continuous improvement, shaping the legal and procurement strategies and service delivery models.
• Coach, mentor, and develop your team, building resilience and talent for the future.
• Work closely with elected members, senior officers, and external partners to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Support the ambitious program of works and play a key role in corporate projects, emergency planning, and the Council's transformation agenda.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant post qualification experience
• Proven track record of leading legal teams and managing high-performing services.
• Strong understanding of local government law and governance and the ability to advise senior stakeholders
• Politically astute, with excellent communication, leadership, and partnership skills.
• Committed to customer service, equality, and continuous professional development.
• Able to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

• Be part of a values-driven, ambitious council making a real impact.
• Develop and lead a talented, supportive team with scope to shape services and innovate.
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Generous annual leave, pension, and professional development opportunities.
• A welcoming, collaborative culture where your expertise is valued.