Head of Legal – (Commercial & Projects)

Overview

In this role, you lead the Contracts and Commercial Team within Legal Services to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective legal support for complex development, procurement and major capital projects. You will drive the legal strategy for both the Council and First North Law LLP, balancing technical excellence with a pragmatic, commercial mindset. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to shape commercial outcomes and provide guidance on significant regeneration initiatives. This is a growth‑minded opportunity in a dynamic, devolution‑driven environment where your leadership will directly impact public and external client services.

Pay / Benefits

• generous holiday allowance
• membership of Local Government contributory pension scheme
• childcare vouchers
• new technology scheme
• discounts at leisure activities, restaurants, shops
• Total Rewards Brochure (full details)

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Contracts and Commercial Team within Legal Services
• Oversee advising on complex contracts, procurement and capital/regeneration projects
• Provide pragmatic, cost‑effective legal solutions for Council and external clients
• Direct North Yorkshire Council’s involvement with First North Law LLP as a director
• Drive delivery of outstanding legal services and maintain high professional standards
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders to support strategic objectives
• Contribute to growth of external legal services offering and client base

Key requirements

• Significant experience in commercial law, contracts, procurement and major development projects
• Proven leadership and management of a legal team
• Ability to deliver pragmatic legal solutions in a public sector setting
• Experience working with or within SRA‑regulated entities (First North Law LLP)
• Strong stakeholder management and client‑facing skills

• leadership
• collaboration
• commercial mindset
• commercial contracts
• procurement
• capital and regeneration projects

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