Head of Legal Service
| Posting date: | 15 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £93,070 to £103,851 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 August 2025 |
| Location: | Greenwich, London, SE18 6HQ |
| Company: | Royal Borough of Greenwich |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | TP/917/202_1755272380 |
Summary
Are you an experienced or aspiring Head of Legal Services ready to lead with impact?
We're looking for a dynamic and strategic legal professional to join our high-performing in-house team as Head of Legal Services. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for public service, this could be your next career step.
About Royal Greenwich
At Royal Greenwich, we're proud of our heritage and excited for our future. Home to a World Heritage Site and a vibrant, diverse community, we are committed to delivering first-class services and unlocking the borough's potential - even amidst financial challenges. Our elected members have an ambitious vision, and legal services play a vital role in bringing that to life.
About the Role
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Legal Services to lead and manage one of our Legal Services teams and deputise for the Director of Legal & Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer when required.
This senior leadership role is pivotal in ensuring the Council's corporate governance and legal compliance are maintained at the highest standards. You will oversee the lawfulness and fairness of decision-making processes, support the transformation and development of Legal Services, and lead on strategic policy, service planning, and corporate citizenship.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy Monitoring Officer, stepping in as needed to support governance and legal oversight.
- Lead the Council's corporate governance to ensure decisions are lawful and fair, overseeing the Constitution and safeguarding democratic processes.
- Provide legal assurance to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders on governance, ethical, and legal frameworks.
- Manage and develop a Legal Services team of up to 37 directly managed staff and oversee up to 50 consultancy/contracting staff.
- Lead on compliance with information management legislation including FOIA, EIA, and DPA.
- Support the delivery of the Greenwich Legal Services vision, including service transformation and innovation.
- Act as a senior legal advisor to the Leader of the Council, Cabinet, Chief Executive, and General Management Team.
- Represent Legal Services in corporate initiatives, policy groups, and external forums.
- Provide high-level legal advice, supervision, and continuous professional development to legal fee earners.
- Ensure recruitment, appraisal, workload management, and performance are aligned with Council policies.
About You
- Qualified solicitor, barrister, or chartered legal executive with extensive experience in local authority legal practice.
- Proven track record of providing legal advice and support to senior leaders and key decision-makers.
- Skilled communicator, able to engage effectively with elected members, senior managers, and staff at all levels.
- Experienced in managing legal teams, including performance management of fee earners.
- Politically astute with the ability to navigate a sensitive and complex political environment.
- Knowledgeable about best practice, innovation, and continuous improvement in legal services.
- Commitment to the Council's equal opportunities and staff values, promoting a positive and inclusive workplace.
- Desirable: Management qualification and experience in multiple legal practice areas.
Why Join Us?
The Royal Borough of Greenwich offers a supportive, forward-thinking environment where you will have the opportunity to shape and lead our Legal Services as part of a dedicated leadership team. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional development, ensuring you can grow your career while making a real impact on the community.
Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should there be a high volume of applications received.
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