R2R103864 - Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Your new role

Southend City Council are recruiting for the role of Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to join the department on a full-time, permanent basis.

Legal Services team

The Legal Services team comprises lawyers managing specialist legal areas, including but not limited to:

• Adult and children’s social care
• Commercial
• Planning
• Contract, procurement
• Licencing
• Housing
• Information governance
• Employment
• Litigation

Responsibilities

The new Head of Service is required to provide direction, accountability and leadership to the Legal Services team and to directly manage the Principal Lawyers. The role ensures that these services are designed and delivered within the Council's framework of quality standards, performance targets, budgetary control and legislative requirements. It also involves empowering and engaging team members to continually improve outcomes, including service planning, performance management, communication and staff appraisals.

Engage, collaborate and develop positive relationships with elected members, the Courts and other external bodies (locally, regionally and nationally) to promote the Council’s priorities and share best practice. Support the Director and wider council leadership to work collaboratively with councillors and officers across the council. Collectively manage the financial cost of external legal advice to demonstrate best value for clients and the council. Attend committees as the legal advisor or deputise for the Monitoring Officer at Cabinet or Council meetings as required.

Qualifications and Experience

To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold a degree in Law and have completed practice requirements for a fully qualified Solicitor or Barrister, with at least 7 years post‑qualification experience. You will also hold a current Practising Certificate from the Law Society of England and Wales or the Bar Council.

Skill set required

• Expert and in‑depth knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Experience as a Monitoring Officer or Deputy Monitoring Officer in a local authority and have worked with elected members in a political environment.
• Ability to take on corporate tasks on behalf of Legal Services, either as lead or in collaboration with the Democratic services.
• Budget management experience with the ability to forecast spend and seek out the needs of customers.
• Ability to plan activities well in advance and manage a caseload independently while delegating tasks across the team.

This position requires you to hold a current driving licence.

Benefits

When joining the council you can enjoy a range of benefits including 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. The council offers a full list of benefits which can be viewed in our "Why Work for Us?" tab. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.

For further information, contact Nathalie.s@hays.com.