Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer
Job description
We’re seeking an energetic, innovative, and inspirational leader to join our team at Powys County Council, a place where you can truly make your mark and be part of something extraordinary. The successful candidate will join a forward-thinking senior leadership team, passionate about shaping Powys into Wales’s most vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally conscious county.
In this pivotal role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and holding statutory responsibilities as Monitoring Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our commitment to excellence in governance, compliance, and transparency. Your strategic leadership will drive positive change across your portfolio, playing a central role in supporting the Director of Corporate Services and inspiring a culture of innovation throughout the directorate.
You’ll offer impartial and expert advice to Cabinet Members, Committees, and Full Council, empowering robust decision-making and safeguarding our democratic principles. Your leadership will be instrumental in creating an open, forward-looking council that welcomes fresh ideas and continually strives for improvement.
As Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer, you’ll lead and motivate a diverse, high-performing team, with responsibilities including:
1. Monitoring Officer duties
2. Legal Services
3. Elections
4. The Council Constitution
5. Committee Services
6. Elected Member Development
7. The Registrars Service
8. Corporate Governance
This is a unique chance to shape the future of Powys’s corporate governance framework, developing innovative systems and processes that not only meet regulatory requirements but set the standard for excellence and transparency. You’ll collaborate closely with the Chief Executive, Corporate Leadership Team, and elected members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and bold, creative thinking.
What we’re looking for:
9. A qualified solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate
10. Extensive senior-level experience in legal and governance leadership
11. Proven ability to provide visionary strategic advice and guidance to elected members and senior colleagues
12. Exceptional leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and build resilient, high-performing teams
13. Outstanding relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders
14. A passion for integrity, professionalism, and customer-driven service delivery
In return, Powys offers:
15. Flexible working arrangements with a vibrant office culture for key meetings (minimum 2-3 days per week at County Hall or other council offices)
16. Competitive salary and excellent benefits
17. Generous annual leave entitlement
18. Professional development opportunities to support your ambitions
19. A relocation package (where applicable)
20. A supportive, collaborative, and enthusiastic working environment
Powys is more than just a stunning place to live, it’s the place to be for those who want to enjoy a fantastic quality of life, breath-taking landscapes, and thriving, welcoming communities. With its rich cultural heritage and world-class events such as the Hay Festival, Green Man Festival, and the Royal Welsh Show, Powys is the ideal setting for anyone seeking excitement, opportunity, and a dynamic work-life balance.
If you are a forward-thinking legal professional with vision, resilience, and the drive to make a true difference in an inspiring environment, we would be delighted to hear from you. Come and help us make Powys the most exciting, dynamic, and rewarding place to work in Wales.
This position has a requirement for a StandardDBS Check.
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