Head of Legal in Leeds

We currently have a vacancy for a Head of Legal – Major Transport Projects and Deputy Monitoring Officer (DMO) to join our forward-thinking Legal, Governance and Compliance Service. This is a pivotal moment for our organisation and for the region we serve. Our transport network underpins our ambition to create a truly connected, sustainable and prosperous region - one that reduces carbon emissions, links people with the places and opportunities that matter, and drives long-term economic growth. As we embark on an unprecedented programme of transformation, the role of Legal Services has never been more critical. In recognition of the scale, complexity and pace of the work ahead, we have created this new Head of Legal role to provide strategic oversight, expert guidance and proactive legal direction across our major transport projects. This is a unique chance to shape the legal foundations of projects that will influence how our region moves, grows and thrives for years to come.

This post is subject to vetting clearance. Due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will be subject to relevant vetting checks at the appropriate level and any job offer will be conditional subject to successful vetting clearance. Applicants should be aware that it is not possible to make meaningful vetting enquiries in many jurisdictions outside the UK. Vetting clearance cannot therefore be granted if the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the relevant minimum period and comparable vetting enquiries cannot be made in jurisdictions where the individual has been residing. The relevant periods are three years for NPPV 1&2 and five years for NPPV3.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

Reporting into the Assistant Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance, your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership and substantial legal expertise as the lead legal adviser to the Combined Authority on major transport projects with a primary focus on complex transport programmes and projects including the Mass Transit Programme and Bus Franchising, providing high quality legal advice to Members of the Authority and its senior officers either directly or through internal and external resource.
• To support the Monitoring Officer in the performance of their statutory role and deputise for the Assistant Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance Services as and when required.
• Taking a proactive leadership role both internally and externally to the Combined Authority, influencing stakeholders (including senior government officials, Chief Executives and Chief Legal officers), to help deliver the strategic transport objectives of the Combined Authority through partnership working with external organisations.

About You

You will have the following key skills, attributes, education, and experience:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to hold a practising certificate with significant recent post-qualification experience, ideally in a public sector organisation.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of the law relating to the functions and powers of transport authorities ideally including bus reform, mass transit and Transport and Works Act processes.
• Significant strategic experience of shaping and delivering major transport projects, influencing and guiding senior leaders throughout the project lifecycle to implementation.
• In relation to its transport functions, able to provide advice on the scope of powers and authority to take decisions, maladministration, financial impropriety, probity and budget and policy framework issues ensuring that a strong corporate governance culture is achieved with decision making meeting the highest standards of ethical and corporate governance.
• Proven experience of and demonstrable ability in building strong partnerships and establishing effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including partner organisations, other Combined Authorities and government departments. Able to cultivate and sustain relationships with senior stakeholders, and to lead, negotiate and influence confidently in order to drive collaboration around shared strategic transport objectives.

To Apply

If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form on our website and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.