Team
About the role
Are you a senior legal professional looking to make your next career move?
We provide high-quality, clear legal advice on all aspects of local government work. Based in Bury town centre, we offer flexible and agile working arrangements along with a range of staff benefits.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our legal team as Head of the Commercial & Litigation Legal Team. Develop your legal career and expertise in a supportive environment. Prior experience in local government is desirable but not essential; your determination to provide excellent legal service is key.
Our legal team is friendly and supportive. We provide training and development opportunities to enhance your skills. The department’s structure supports career growth, emphasizing training, mentoring, and coaching. We are also supported by our Legal Practice Manager to improve our ways of working.
We pride ourselves on strong relationships with our client departments, working together to achieve Bury’s vision.
We seek a highly qualified, motivated, and experienced legal professional with a proven track record and excellent relationship-building skills. As Head of Department, you will have a proactive approach, resilience, and the ability to challenge constructively. Extensive legal knowledge, coaching, and mentoring skills are essential.
What our clients say about us:
Executive Director (Place): “Bury Council is delivering major development projects, from new leisure and civic facilities to town centre regeneration and JV partnerships. It’s an exciting environment for an ambitious lawyer to work alongside our development staff to realize our vision.”
Assistant Director Human Resources: “Bury Council is a friendly, welcoming organization with dedicated colleagues. The legal team is professional, supportive, and challenging, ensuring well-informed decisions that consider legal obligations and good governance.”
Director of Housing: “Bury is a great council to work for—friendly and ambitious. The legal services team helps us deliver excellent services for residents.”
What our team says about us:
“The legal team at Bury supports skill development and offers great support. Working on interesting and complex cases from the start is rewarding.”
“Supportive colleagues and managers who value your opinion and support your progression are key benefits.”
“Seeing the positive impact of my work and building strong client relationships within the Council are highlights.”
Normal hours are 37 per week, with some rota work depending on service needs.
About Bury
The Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Appointment may require a satisfactory disclosure under the Disclosure and Barring Service. Please include your full employment history and reasons for any gaps in your CV. References covering the past ten years will be requested.
As a Corporate Parent, your work should consider care-experienced young people, promoting their life chances, rights, and well-being.
Benefits of working for Bury Council
Visit A good employer | greater jobs to learn more. We support flexible working where appropriate and are committed to equality and diversity. We guarantee interviews for disabled applicants, care leavers, armed forces personnel, and carers meeting the criteria.
Next steps
For an informal chat about the role, contact Ruth Whittingham at 0161-253-5219 or r.whittingham@bury.gov.uk.
Timetable:
* Shortlisting: w/c 9/6/25
* Interviews: w/c 16/6/25 - 23/6/25
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