Assistant Director- Legal and Governance

Assistant Director – Legal and Governance

Midlands

£600-£800 per day (dependent upon experience scope for negotiation)

Full time – Hybrid working

Initial 3-6 month interim contract

Interviews will be scheduled shortly, so early applications are encouraged.

Our client is seeking an experienced senior legal leader to join its Corporate Leadership community as Assistant Director for Legal and Governance supporting the drive of their corporate improvement agenda.

This is a critical leadership role, working alongside the Strategic Director to provide strategic direction, high‑quality legal advice and strong governance across the Council. The post holder will be appointed as Deputy Monitoring Officer and will play a central role in ensuring the Council operates lawfully, ethically and transparently while delivering on ambitious corporate priorities.

This is a rare opportunity to influence decision‑making at the highest level of a major metropolitan authority and to help shape a high‑performing, values‑led Legal and Governance service.

About your role as Assistant Director – Legal and Governance

• Provide strategic leadership, direction and management of Legal and Governance Services
• Support the Strategic Director in delivering a high‑performing, accountable and resilient division
• Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer, promoting sound decision‑making, good governance and legal compliance across the Council
• Provide expert, timely legal advice to elected members and senior officers on complex, sensitive and high‑risk matters
• Lead on significant legal cases, including litigation and judicial review, and oversee external legal provision where required
• Support democratic governance, including constitutional advice, member conduct, committee processes and electoral law compliance
• Build strong, trusted relationships with Councillors, senior officers, partners and statutory bodies, confidently speaking truth to power
• Contribute to the Council’s Recovery & Improvement Plan and ensure preparedness for inspection and regulatory challenge
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in legal and governance service delivery within a challenging financial environment
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, financial sustainability and climate responsibility across the Division

Your required experience as Assistant Director – Legal and Governance

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with a current practising certificate
• Extensive senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government
• In‑depth knowledge of local government law, public sector governance and democratic processes
• Proven experience of advising elected members and senior leaders on high‑risk, politically sensitive issues
• Demonstrable track record of managing significant legal risk, complex litigation and governance challenge
• Experience of leading and developing large professional teams and driving a performance‑led culture
• Strong political acumen with the ability to operate effectively in a democratic environment
• Clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership practice and service delivery

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact Leah Overend or Melanie Machin on 0117 3137110 or apply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation so please do get in contact)

Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.

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