Head of Law – Planning and Regulatory

Overview

In this role you will lead the council’s planning and regulatory legal function, advising the Cabinet, members, and senior management. You will manage a high-performing lawyers team and push continuous improvement across the service. By influencing at the highest levels and with external stakeholders, you help shape governance and delivery of outcomes for residents. The position offers a collaborative, impact-driven environment with a strong governance and innovation focus.

Pay / Benefits

• 31 days holiday + bank holidays
• agile working / flexible approach
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• professional development and training
• Health and Wellbeing programme
• Cycle to Work and Travel Schemes

Responsibilities

• Advise the Cabinet, members and senior management on planning and regulatory matters
• Lead and motivate a high-performing legal team
• Drive continuous improvement across the service and council
• Influence senior stakeholders and external partners to deliver outcomes
• Embed good governance in partnership with the Monitoring Officer and potentially act as deputy monitoring officer
• Shape how the team works today and for the future through innovation and collaboration

Key requirements

• Senior legal leadership experience in planning and regulatory law
• Experience advising at top levels of local government (cabinet, senior management)
• Track record of governance improvement and cross‑organisational influence
• People management and team development skills
• Ability to work with Monitoring Officer and external stakeholders

• leadership
• collaboration
• strategic influence
• planning and regulatory law expertise
• governance and compliance
• risk management and assurance

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