Senior Legal and Compliance Manager

local.gov.uk; Wakefield; Hybrid; GBP 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in Wakefield is seeking a Senior Legal and Compliance Manager to lead its compliance function. You will provide strategic oversight in procurement compliance and governance, while guiding the board on legal matters. The ideal candidate has a qualified legal background and experience in leadership roles, particularly in regulated environments. This full-time position offers flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to staff development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pay progression

Local Government Pension

Health and wellbeing package

Flexible working options

Family-friendly policies

Cycle to Work scheme

Subsidised canteen

Discounted sports memberships

Commitment to staff development

Qualifications

• Qualified legal background with strong knowledge of public sector procurement law.
• Proven leadership in legal, compliance, or governance roles, ideally within regulated environments.
• Expertise in data protection and risk management.
• Strategic thinking combined with excellent project management skills.
• Outstanding communication and influencing ability at all levels.
• A commitment to ethical business practices and delivering social value.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape YPO’s compliance function.
• Guide the board and senior leadership on compliance matters.
• Drive initiatives that embed best practice and innovation.
• Implement a new procurement system to enhance efficiency.

Skills

Public sector procurement law

Leadership in governance roles

Data protection expertise

Project management

Communication skills

Ethical business practices

Education

Qualified legal background

Job description

Senior Legal and Compliance Manager

Salary: £71,334

Location: Wakefield, with hybrid working

Contract: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Do you aspire to work in a welcoming, innovative, and forward-thinking organisation where your expertise truly makes an impact?

Do you aspire to work in a welcoming, innovative, forward‑thinking, inclusive and supportive organisation where you can also learn and develop? YPO might be the perfect fit for you!

With 50 years of experience, YPO has been dedicated to supporting the public sector. Our journey began five decades ago when 13 local authorities united to streamline their purchasing needs and enhance efficiency, forming the organisation we know today.

As a 100% publicly owned entity by our 13 member authorities, we ensure that our profits are reinvested into our public sector customers, offering even greater value for money. Discover more about our company and culture at Start a career at YPO | YPO.

YPO is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best.

If this position is advertised as a full‑time role (37 hours per week), YPO is pleased to consider requests for flexible working arrangements, including part‑time hours and job‑sharing opportunities. We are committed to supporting work‑life balance and encourage candidates to discuss their preferred working patterns with us.

As we continue to grow, we have the opportunity for a Senior Legal and Compliance Manager to lead and shape YPO’s compliance function. This is a pivotal role where you’ll provide strategic oversight, risk management, and project leadership across key areas including:

• Procurement compliance and governance
• Legal frameworks and advisory services
• Quality assurance
• Data protection and information governance

You’ll act as YPO’s internal legal advisor, guiding the board and senior leadership team on compliance matters and influencing strategic decisions surrounding public sector procurement and offering assurances. You will lead our team or professionals in the contracts and quality assurance teams and drive initiatives that embed best practice and innovation across the organisation.

Covering a diverse project portfolio, you’ll play a key role in a number of strategic projects, including the implementation and project delivery of a new procurement system that will enhance commercial management and deliver greater efficiency across YPO.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced professional who can bring:

• Qualified legal background with strong knowledge of public sector procurement law.
• Proven leadership in legal, compliance, or governance roles, ideally within regulated environments.
• Expertise in data protection and risk management.
• Strategic thinking combined with excellent project management skills.
• Outstanding communication and influencing ability at all levels.
• A commitment to ethical business practices and delivering social value.

What’s in it for You?

• Generous annual leave, 29 days a year, plus 8 days statutory bank holidays and 3 discretionary closedown days at Christmas
• Pay progression – pay award pending (subject to national negotiations)
• Enrolment in a Local Government Pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund)
• Health and wellbeing package
• Flexi scheme and flexible working options
• Family‑friendly policies
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised canteen and free parking
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Discounted sports and leisure memberships
• Commitment to staff development and training
• Continuous service for those eligible under the Modification Order

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to make a real impact in a role that combines legal expertise with strategic leadership, we’d love to hear from you!

Close Date: Midnight on Sunday 11th of January 2026

Interviews are expected to take place w/c 19th of January 2026

To discuss this position in more detail, or for any other questions, please contact Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on 07977743718 or [e-mail]