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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 model 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 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
✨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 initiatives. Show us you’re not just a candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences leading teams and managing complex budgets. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal Services | Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling 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. Be specific about your achievements in legal services and how you’ve driven improvements in past roles.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: We want to see how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders. Share examples of how you've engaged with elected members and external partners, and the impact it had on your previous organisations. This will help us understand your ability to foster collaboration.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our hybrid working model!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legal frameworks and governance matters relevant to local authorities. Being able to discuss recent case law or changes in legislation will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive in staying updated.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how your strategic leadership made a difference. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive service improvements.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience working with senior stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've built credibility and trust with elected members or external partners. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex relationships and influence decision-making.
✨Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is crucial! Tailor it to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the council's priorities. Use clear, concise language and make sure to highlight your track record in delivering high-quality legal services and managing budgets effectively.
