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• Notes_to_Candidates_-_October_2023
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Head of Legal Services & Deputy Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council

Location: Market Harborough / Hybrid

Salary: £67,236 - £71,223, A Golden Hello of up to 10% of starting salary may be applied depending on relevant skills, experience and current salary.

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Shape the Legal Future of Harborough District

Are you a dynamic, forward-thinking legal professional ready to lead and inspire? Harborough District Council is seeking an exceptional Head of Legal Services to drive our legal, procurement, and information governance functions, and to act as Deputy Monitoring Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity in a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our organisation, offering the chance to make a real difference for our residents, businesses, and communities. You’ll join a supportive, ambitious senior leadership team, working collaboratively to deliver our Corporate Plan and ensure the highest standards of governance and service.

About the Role

• Lead and manage Legal Services, Procurement, Information Governance, and Corporate Support.
• Provide expert legal advice across a broad range of areas including contracts, property, planning, litigation, and governance.
• Act as Solicitor to the Council and Deputy Monitoring Officer, upholding the highest standards of conduct and probity.
• Drive service transformation, innovation, and continuous improvement, shaping the legal and procurement strategies and service delivery models.
• Coach, mentor, and develop your team, building resilience and talent for the future.
• Work closely with elected members, senior officers, and external partners to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Support the ambitious program of works and play a key role in corporate projects, emergency planning, and the Council’s transformation agenda.

About You

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with significant post qualification experience
• Proven track record of leading legal teams and managing high-performing services.
• Strong understanding of local government law and governance and the ability to advise senior stakeholders
• Politically astute, with excellent communication, leadership, and partnership skills.
• Committed to customer service, equality, and continuous professional development.
• Able to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-driven, ambitious council making a real impact.
• Develop and lead a talented, supportive team with scope to shape services and innovate.
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Generous annual leave, pension, and professional development opportunities.
• A welcoming, collaborative culture where your expertise is valued.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Liz Elliot, Deputy Chief Executive, email address: l.elliott@harborough.gov.uk.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the person specification.

Closing date: 17th October 2025
Interview date: 3rd November 2025

Harborough District Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post is politically restricted and subject to a standard DBS check.