At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead five specialist legal teams and oversee high-quality legal services.
- Company: Join Manchester Legal Services, a leading in-house legal team in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovative legal solutions in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on legal initiatives that shape communities and influence major decisions.
- Qualifications: Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive with significant legal management experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
As Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation, you will provide leadership across five specialist teams: Community, Employment, Housing & Neighbour Nuisance, Litigation, and Regulatory & Enforcement. Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will play a key role in operational leadership, deputising as required and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, insightful and solutions-focused legal services. You will also take a lead on cross-cutting legal initiatives, oversee risk and LEXCEL compliance, support income and performance management, and carry a personal caseload of complex and sensitive matters. This is a pivotal leadership role in a fast-moving, politically dynamic environment where your work will influence major decisions and real-world outcomes for Manchester, Salford and our wider partners. We're seeking an exceptional legal leader—credible, collaborative and forward-thinking. Someone who can bring people with them, inspire confidence, and deliver outstanding results across a large and varied portfolio.
Key Qualifications
- Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive status (with litigation rights).
- Significant experience managing complex legal work in a large, multifaceted organisation.
- Proven ability to build strong, trusted client relationships, including on sensitive and high-profile matters.
- Demonstrable experience within at least two of the following areas: Community (Adult Social Care & Education), Employment, Housing, Litigation and Regulatory & Enforcement.
- Strong strategic thinking, political awareness and the ability to influence at senior level.
- A track record of leading teams, driving performance, and delivering high-quality legal outcomes.
- Understanding of the wider national policy landscape for local government.
Why join Manchester Legal Services?
Our Legal and Democratic Services function is one of the largest in-house teams in the country. We operate a shared service with Salford City Council and deliver specialist work for Rochdale Borough Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority—putting you at the heart of England’s first and biggest devolved region. Our 240+ strong legal workforce is recognised for its professionalism, passion and commitment. Our lawyers work on complex, nationally significant initiatives that shape the lives of residents and visitors every day. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead across a broad, high-performing portfolio and contribute to some of the most exciting legal, policy and regeneration work happening anywhere in the UK. You’ll join an accredited service that values innovation, professional development and flexible working.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual pay progression
- Hybrid working
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after five years)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- A wealth of additional staff benefits and development opportunities
Join us and help shape the legal foundations of a world‑class city.
Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation in Manchester employer: Penna
Manchester Legal Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a large, in-house legal team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Manchester and its surrounding areas. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make a real impact on significant legal and policy initiatives. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your expertise will contribute to meaningful outcomes for the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent legal initiatives. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them tackle these issues. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed complex legal matters in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and drive performance—this is key for a role like Head of Legal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in the areas mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:As this role is all about leadership, be sure to emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving performance. We’re looking for someone who can inspire confidence and deliver results, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Insightful and Solutions-Focused:We value candidates who can think strategically and provide insightful solutions. In your application, include instances where you’ve tackled complex legal issues and how your approach led to successful outcomes. This will show us your problem-solving capabilities!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penna
✨Know Your Legal Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current legal issues affecting local government, especially in areas like Community, Employment, and Housing. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your awareness of the political dynamics that influence decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex legal work. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired confidence and driven performance in previous roles, as this is crucial for a leadership position.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Use active listening and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Show that you can collaborate effectively, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in this role and how you would address them, particularly in a politically dynamic environment.
