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- Tasks: Lead high-impact legal services and provide strategic legal advice across a public sector portfolio.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the North East Combined Authority, driving transformation in the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape policy and governance while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Extensive legal experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive employer encouraging diverse applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 83663 - 88633 ÂŁ per year.
Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various “spoke” offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.
Salary: ÂŁ83,663 - ÂŁ88,633 per annum (Please note it is North East CA policy to appoint at the starting point of the salary band).
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Assistant Director of Legal and Governance
Closing date: Friday 1st May 2026 at 23:59
Join us as a Head of Legal. Bring your strategic legal leadership to a role at the heart of a region making things happen. As our Head of Legal, you’ll lead and deliver high-impact legal services across a complex public sector portfolio. You’ll provide and co-ordinate high-quality and timely legal advice in relation to all aspects of the law relevant to the combined authority including (but not limited to) commercial, procurement, constitutional and public law decision-making, standards and code of conduct issues, information governance, employment, property, planning, transport and regulatory matters translating complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance for senior leaders and stakeholders.
You’ll shape policy and governance, drive innovative legal solutions, and ensure robust compliance that supports transformation and brilliant outcomes for our communities. Operating at the centre of transformational change, you will lead major legal projects, support multidisciplinary programmes, and contribute to the continuous improvement of the legal function.
Your leadership will ensure legal services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively, with strong financial stewardship underpinning your approach to budget management and resource allocation. As a visible and collaborative leader, you will enhance organisational capability, uphold the highest professional standards, and support the development of your team strengthening the North East CA’s ability to deliver brilliant outcomes for the region.
We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
For further information about this role please contact: John Softly, Assistant Director of Legal and Governance at john.softly@northeast-ca.gov.uk
Head of Legal in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its legal challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like public law and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Head of Legal position. We’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in legal leadership and public sector work. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Head of Legal role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've driven legal solutions or improved processes in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key areas of law relevant to the role, like commercial and public law. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, as it shows you're not just book-smart but also practical.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal, you'll be leading a team and driving change. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to collaborate and enhance organisational capability.
✨Understand the Organisation's Goals
Research the North East Combined Authority and its strategic objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your legal expertise can support their mission and contribute to brilliant outcomes for the community.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. This could include inquiries about their approach to compliance or how they measure the success of legal services. It shows you're engaged and forward-thinking.