Are you ready to lead a dynamic team delivering high-quality, solution-focused legal services? Do you thrive in managing complex legal challenges while making a real difference to your community? If so, this is your opportunity to shape the future of legal services at Thurrock Council.
 
As the Head of Legal, you will lead and inspire a team of dedicated legal professionals across specialist areas, including Commercial, Property, Planning, and Social Care. You will serve as the Council's lead advisor and representative on legal and governance matters, handling high-stakes and sensitive cases. Your role will also involve driving innovation and continuous improvement within the Legal Services team, ensuring exceptional value for money while serving as a trusted advisor to senior management, elected members, and external clients. Additionally, you will support the Assistant Director of Legal and Governance in their role as Deputy Monitoring Officer. 
 
You’ll bring your expertise to deliver high-quality legal services that align with the Council's strategic goals, navigating complex legal frameworks and providing sound, innovative advice. As a leader, you will oversee key initiatives, from external assurance to knowledge management and client satisfaction, while maintaining budgetary efficiency, achieving savings, and identifying new income opportunities. 
 
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. 
 
At Thurrock Council, we value excellence, innovation, and inclusion. In this role, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on local governance and community outcomes. You’ll work in a supportive environment where your professional growth is nurtured, and your contributions are celebrated. 
 
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council

Step into a leadership role that challenges, inspires, and rewards. Your expertise and vision can drive meaningful change. Take the next step in your career with us.
 
For an informal conversation please contact Mandy Dhillon on 07543306303 / mandy.dhillon@penna.com

Closing date: Monday, 10 February 2025

Interview Date: W/C 3rd March 2025