Legal Service Manager

Ocean Edge Executive Search; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Legal Service Manager to oversee Legal Services, Information Governance, and Corporate Complaints at a local authority. The role includes providing expert legal advice, managing high-performing teams, and shaping service policy. Ideal candidates will be qualified solicitors or barristers with extensive experience in local government law. This position offers a 6-month fixed-term contract with a salary range of £66,000 - £77,000 per annum, and hybrid working is available.

Qualifications

• Extensive post-qualification experience in legal services.
• Proven experience managing legal teams in local government.
• Strong background in local government law.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage professional legal and governance teams.
• Provide authoritative legal advice to senior officials.
• Manage a budget of approximately £5m.

Skills

Legal expertise

Project management

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Legal Service Manager

6 month Fixed term Contract

Salary: £66,000 - £77,000 per annum pro rata

Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire (hybrid working available)

Were seeking an experienced and dynamic Legal Service Manager to lead Legal Services, Information Governance and Corporate Complaints functions at a local authority. This is a pivotal senior management role, ensuring the Council receives high-quality, expert legal advice across all service areas.

About the Role

As our Legal Service Manager, you will:

• Lead, manage and develop professional legal, information governance and complaints teams.
• Provide authoritative legal advice to senior officers, Members, Cabinet, Committees and Council.
• Oversee the commissioning of external legal support where required.
• Shape and implement key policies, strategies and service plans aligned with the Councils corporate objectives.
• Champion professional development across the service.
• Manage a budget of approximately £5m and contribute to Executive Management Team discussions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Councils senior legal adviser and Deputy Monitoring Officer.
• Lead day-to-day legal services, information governance and complaints handling.
• Provide high-level professional judgement on complex legal, governance and complaints matters.
• Represent the Council externally and build effective partnerships.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and future-focused ways of working.

About You

Essential:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience managing and developing legal professionals.
• Strong background in local government law, including criminal and civil proceedings.
• Excellent strategic, policy development and project management capability.
• Strong financial, ICT and analytical skills.
• Highly effective communicator with the ability to influence at a senior level.
• Collaborative, flexible team player with a strong customer focus and partnership approach.
• Able to work autonomously and provide clear, authoritative advice.

Desirable:

• Management qualification (strategic or operational).

For further information please contact Ocean Edge Executive Search [e-mail] or call 023 8000 1153.