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- Tasks: Lead the council's Legal Service and provide strategic legal advice.
- Company: Lancashire County Council, committed to professional development and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Shape your career while making a real impact in local governance.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in legal services and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 77833 - 85119 £ per year.
Location: County Hall, Preston (Hybrid Working)
Salary Range: £77,833 - £85,119 (plus market supplement) | Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership of the council's Legal Service to ensure delivery of council priorities and statutory duties.
- Provide strategic legal and governance advice to elected members, the Chief Executive, and senior leaders.
- Design and deliver the Legal Services business plan to drive service improvements while ensuring budget and resources deliver savings and efficiencies.
- Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that promotes professional development, knowledge sharing, and open, honest, and transparent communication.
- Act as the Deputy Monitoring Officer in relation to monitoring officer responsibilities concerning law and governance matters.
What we are looking for
- Strategic Leadership: Substantial senior management experience in a legal services role within a local authority or similar public sector environment.
- Service Excellence: Proven track record of delivering high-quality legal services, managing complex budgets, and leading high-performing teams.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Significant experience of working with senior stakeholders and ability to build credibility with senior managers, elected members, and external partners.
How to apply
Please include a personal statement evidencing your ability to deliver what we are looking for. If you would like a confidential conversation with the Director of Law and Governance, please contact Samantha Mason at Samantha.Mason@lancashire.gov.uk to arrange this.
Closing date and interviews
Closing date: 11 February 2026
Interviews: TBC
Why join us
Lancashire County Council offers opportunities to shape your career path with the potential for personal and professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
Benefits
- A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions.
- A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, rising with length of service, plus 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and the option to buy additional leave each year.
- Staff discount scheme with Vivup offering discounts with a range of UK retailers.
We reserve the right to close a vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Head of Legal Services | Preston in Burnley employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal Services | Preston in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent legal challenges and successes. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their strategic goals right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and managed complex budgets. We want to hear about your service excellence and stakeholder engagement skills in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services | Preston in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your strategic leadership experience and how it aligns with our council's priorities. We want to see your passion for delivering high-quality legal services.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: When writing your application, don’t forget to mention your experience working with senior stakeholders. We love seeing examples of how you've built credibility and fostered relationships in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the latest legal frameworks and governance matters relevant to local authorities. Being able to discuss current issues and how they impact the council will show your strategic insight and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to service improvements or stakeholder engagement, as this is crucial for the Head of Legal Services position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and credibility, as this will be key in your new role. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that illustrate your success in this area.
✨Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement should not just list your qualifications but also reflect your passion for delivering high-quality legal services. Tailor it to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the council's priorities and statutory duties, making it clear why you're the perfect fit.
