Head of Legal Services

• Salary c£75,445 & potential market supplement (based on experience) & generous benefits
• Closing Date: 12:00pm on Monday 7th October 2024

About Southend-on-Sea City Council

Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant and diverse coastal city known for its long beaches and famous pier. As one of the UK’s newest cities (over 200,000 residents and growing) and proximity to London, Southend is focused on the future with ambitious strategic plans. The Monitoring Officer has restructured the Legal Services team to match these broader ambitions, creating a new role focused on standards, performance, continuous improvement and organisational resilience.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Legal Services to lead the team and support the council’s service delivery portfolios. This pivotal leadership role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the Council’s legal operations and deputise for our Monitoring Officer.

The Role

As Head of Legal Services, you will manage a team of 24 including solicitors (some new to management), trainees, legal apprentices, paralegals and legal assistants. You will handle a technical legal caseload of complex, politically sensitive cases, providing direction and leadership to ensure services meet the Council’s quality standards, performance targets, budgetary control, and legislative requirements.

The Council seeks an individual with the desire and capability to form effective alliances with senior internal stakeholders, based on trust in your advice and expertise. As part of the Council’s leadership team, you will support colleagues across the organisation and represent the Council at senior-level stakeholder events. You will maintain and develop excellent working relationships with external partners, suppliers, solicitors and counsel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the busy and well-respected Legal Services team, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
• Handle a caseload of complex and politically sensitive cases in your area(s) of practice which should also include Local Authority Governance.
• Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer, advising on strategic legal issues.
• Deputise for the Director of Legal Services, including counselling Members.
• Collaborate with Democratic Services and Information Governance Managers.
• Promote customer-focused legal services and continuous improvement.
• Manage the Legal Services budget and external legal advice.
• Develop positive relationships with elected Members, Courts, and external bodies.
• Promote inclusivity, equality, and diversity within the team and across the council.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current England & Wales practising certificate.
• Several years post-qualification experience in your area(s) of practice, ideally including contracts and procurement, planning and regeneration, property, child/adult social care law.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Proven experience in the public sector as a Head of Legal, Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer.
• Strong leadership and team management skills. Some experience in coaching and mentoring would be ideal.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex workloads and budgets.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and training.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking Council committed to making a difference in one of the UK’s newest cities.
• Lead a dedicated and professional team.
• Enjoy a competitive salary (£75,445 plus market supplement) and benefits package including Local Government Pension Scheme, free car parking, 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working arrangements, and more.
• Work in modern offices conveniently located near the city’s three train stations.
• Access opportunities for professional growth and development.

How to Apply

This is an exciting time to join Southend-on-Sea City Council. If you are a motivated and experienced legal professional looking to take on a challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

For further information, please speak to our recruitment partners at Hays, lottie.williams@hays.com and simon.winspear@hays.com.

Interviews: 2 stages selection process between 14th to 31st of October 2024.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.