Salary: From £58,239 up to £67,030 pro rata, per annum plus relocation package and a recruitment payment of up to 10%.
Grade: SM1
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (Part-time working of 4 days would be considered)
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Flexibility over agreeing which one of our Council Offices locations the role is based from, with hybrid working opportunities.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a senior solicitor to join our ambitious and high performing legal service as the Head of Legal for Projects and Regeneration work. This role will be responsible for a number of complex and corporately significant development projects. In addition to leading and managing a small team within Legal Services the postholder will work with client project teams and partner organisations whilst managing external legal advisers to ensure cost-effective solutions.
Across the legal service we have over 60 lawyers supported by a dedicated practice manager and paralegal team. The legal service is part of Legal and Democratic Services within the Chief Executive’s Group. The Council provides a range of services across North Yorkshire, and the legal team provide a comprehensive and efficient legal service to officers, the Executive, full Council, its Committees and Members, and external clients.
The role represents a fantastic opportunity for the right person to develop a career and team within the Council and be surrounded by a supportive, established team of professionals who will help individuals grow and develop within their roles.
As England's largest county, North Yorkshire's natural beauty is captured in its stunning coastlines, scenic rural villages and market towns, as well as two spectacular national parks. North Yorkshire really is a beautiful place to live and work, rich in heritage and culture. If you are moving to North Yorkshire we will support your relocation with up to £8,000 expenses reimbursement.
There are a range of benefits available to employees such as flexible hybrid working practices; a market-leading pension scheme; payment of solicitor’s annual practicing certificates; a generous leave entitlement; a commitment to staff development and continuous learning, together with access to modern technologies to aid flexible working practices. More information can be found in our Total Rewards Brochure.
The Council is approaching its three-year anniversary following local government reorganisation in April 2023, bringing together eight councils into the new North Yorkshire Council. This unification creates new opportunities to strengthen local delivery, improve system working and secure greater investment through devolution.
The York and North Yorkshire devolution deal could unlock around £2.4bn of investment over 30 years, focused on economic prosperity and long-term opportunity. This provides a powerful platform for the new Head of Lead to build their career in an era of growth.
What you can bring
To be successful, you will be experienced in the areas of work detailed in the job specification and be able to demonstrate the skills and competencies listed therein. We’re looking for someone who is a qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification experience; has proven expertise in handling complex legal matters and providing strategic advice in relation to regeneration projects; and who understands corporate governance and local authority law.
A one- off recruitment payment of up to 10% of base salary would be considered for the right candidate, subject to experience.
Contact
For an informal discussion and more information in relation to the role, please contact Jennifer Norton, Assistant Director Legal jennifer.norton@northyorks.gov.uk
Key Dates
Close date 1st February 2025
Interview date: 6th or 9th February 2026
Key Documents
NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.