Head of Legal Services

Head of Legal Services needed in Widnes Paying £270 per day ref 137781

Full time hours on a temporarybasis

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Deputise for the Director of Legal and Democratic Services when required.
• Undertake responsibilities as Deputy Monitoring Officer.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Legal Services Directorate.
• Establish and maintain high professional standards across legal practice areas.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.

Legal Services Management

• Lead the delivery of comprehensive legal services to departments and wholly owned companies.
• Provide strategic legal advice on complex and high-profile matters.
• Ensure legal services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with priorities.
• Monitor legal developments and advise Members, Directors, and senior officers on legislative and regulatory changes.

Governance and Risk

• Provide legal input into governance arrangements, Cabinet and Committee reports, and decision-making processes.
• Attend meetings and provide legal advice when required.
• Identify and assess legal risks facing and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Support constitutional and corporate governance activities.

Service and Financial Management

• Manage budgets and external legal expenditure.
• Ensure value for money through effective resource allocation and procurement of external legal services.
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Utilise management information and performance data to support decision-making.

People Leadership

• Lead, manage, motivate, and develop a professional legal team.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities.
• Build a supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Implement HR policies and procedures effectively.
• Support succession planning and talent development across the service.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with:
  • Elected Members
  • Corporate Directors
  • Senior Officers
  • External legal advisers
  • Strategic partners
  • Regulatory bodies
• Represent the client in meetings, negotiations, and partnership forums.

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please beprepared