Role Purpose To provide expert legal advice, assistance and support to the Council in the areas of specialism of the post at a complex/high profile level. Line management of in-house team of professional legal staff providing high quality legal services to the CouncilResponsibilitites Relationship manager with internal and external clients, partnerships, alliances and outside bodies Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer in the absence of the Head of Legal Services To assist the Head of Legal/Assistant Director of Legal in the management of the department’s overall internal and external budget of approximately £6m Delivering excellent value for money legal services within the jobholder’s special areas of responsibility Monitor the outputs and inputs of Legal spend Manage the clients Service Level Agreements Act in a deputising role for the Head of Legal Services, covering all aspects and responsibilities of the post as required; represent the Head of Legal Services, the Department and the Council, both at internal working groups and at meetings between other Local Authorities and Central Government Departments on a range of technical and professional matters in their area of specialism; these may include internal and external Clients on a full range of legal and professional issues Contribute, advise and assist service, department and Corporate strategies by advising upon the legal impact of various options, including long-term implications and application of legislation, regulation and guidance. To be an expert in their area of specialism and have considerable experience of providing legal advice and assistance in these areas. Contribute to the effective development and implementation of the Council’s policies, procedures in response to new legislation or case law in their area of specialism, in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Council in achievements of performance targets, provide training on legal issues for Council members and staff as required from time to timeRequirements A qualified solicitor / barrister / legal executive with a high level extensive experience of working at a senior level in and/or in project groups Proven experience of working at a senior level with senior officers and providing legal advice in the context of political, controversial and sensitive matters Knowledge of local government and administrative law and of Local Authority Trading companies Ability to manage a budget includes financial monitoring within a Service Level Agreement