Legal Service Manager
6 month Fixed term Contract
Salary: £66,000 - £77,000 per annum pro rata
Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire (hybrid working available)
Were seeking an experienced and dynamic Legal Service Manager to lead Legal Services, Information Governance and Corporate Complaints functions at a local authority. This is a pivotal senior management role, ensuring the Council receives high-quality, expert legal advice across all service areas.
About the Role
As our Legal Service Manager, you will:
* Lead, manage and develop professional legal, information governance and complaints teams.
* Provide authoritative legal advice to senior officers, Members, Cabinet, Committees and Council.
* Oversee the commissioning of external legal support where required.
* Shape and implement key policies, strategies and service plans aligned with the Councils corporate objectives.
* Champion professional development across the service.
* Manage a budget of approximately £5m and contribute to Executive Management Team discussions.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the Councils senior legal adviser and Deputy Monitoring Officer.
* Lead day-to-day legal services, information governance and complaints handling.
* Provide high-level professional judgement on complex legal, governance and complaints matters.
* Represent the Council externally and build effective partnerships.
* Drive service improvement, innovation and future-focused ways of working.
About You
Essential:
* Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with extensive post-qualification experience.
* Proven experience managing and developing legal professionals.
* Strong background in local government law, including criminal and civil proceedings.
* Excellent strategic, policy development and project management capability.
* Strong financial, ICT and analytical skills.
* Highly effective communicator with the ability to influence at a senior level.
* Collaborative, flexible team player with a strong customer focus and partnership approach.
* Able to work autonomously and provide clear, authoritative advice.
Desirable:
* Management qualification (strategic or operational).
For further information please contact Ocean Edge Executive Search admin@oceanedge.biz or call 023 8000 1153.