Overview
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £65,966 - £71,091
Location: Sheffield (hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.
Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. There will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. SYMCA is currently reviewing terms and conditions of employment, including pay and grading. Any changes and impact on individual posts will be discussed with successful applicants.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to explain how you meet the essential criteria for this role (please see the role profile attached).
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on high-quality, strategic legal advice across a wide range of public and regulatory law matters.
* Be the lead authority on an expanding portfolio of construction and property issues, including the use of compulsory purchase powers.
* Lead on planning law as SYMCA’s regulatory responsibilities grow.
* Operate with a high degree of autonomy, managing a portfolio of complex legal matters while contributing to cross-functional projects.
* Work closely with colleagues to identify and manage legal risks, ensuring advice is accessible, timely, and aligned with strategic objectives.
* Draft and negotiate a wide range of legal documents including leases and other property contracts.
* Support the Monitoring Officer and Deputy Monitoring Officer in ensuring lawful decision-making and governance.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal clients, local authorities, government departments, and commercial partners.
* Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and legal support staff.
* Manage the procurement and oversight of external legal advice, ensuring value for money and strategic alignment.
* Keep abreast of legislative and policy developments and advise colleagues on implications.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
You will be a confident and capable legal professional with a strong track record of delivering high-quality legal services in a complex, fast-paced environment. You will bring expertise in property law, with planning and construction law experience useful but not essential. You should be comfortable advising senior stakeholders on high-stakes legal matters. Strategic thinking, clear communication, and collaborative working are key to success.
* Qualified solicitor, barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive currently in practice.
* Significant post-qualification experience in property law.
* Strong drafting skills and legal judgment, with experience in complex legal agreements and contracts.
* Proven ability to manage complex legal transactions and provide strategic legal advice.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
* Experience working collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
* Commercial awareness and the ability to apply legal knowledge practically and solutions-focused.
Desirable
* Experience in the public sector or with combined/local authorities.
* Experience of Construction or Planning Law; leadership or management experience including supervision of junior staff.
* Understanding of local government, transport legislation, and the political environment.
* Membership of (or eligibility to join) a recognised professional body.
Benefits
* All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the opportunity to make a difference.
* Hybrid working; offices are a space for collaboration. Some roles may be onsite full time.
* Reward Gateway discounts and wellbeing solutions.
* On-the-job training and upskilling opportunities.
* Annual leave: up to 36 days (pro-rata for part-time colleagues).
Diversity and Inclusion
Our workforce is diverse and inclusive. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.
Application and notices
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised. All applications must be submitted directly via our Careers Website. Please note that some sections of the description above may be subject to change as part of SYMCA’s ongoing terms and conditions review.
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