Up to £84,276 per annum + relocation package

Proud of Our Past, Ambitious for Our Future: Be Part of Chichester’s Story

At Chichester District Council, we take immense pride in leading the transformation of our historic city, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our dedication to thoughtful and sustainable development positions Chichester as a beacon of opportunity on the South Coast—a place where residents, visitors, and businesses thrive. Here, heritage seamlessly blends with modernity, creating unparalleled opportunities for living, working, and leisure.

Chichester is a community with a big heart and even greater ambitions. As a forward thinking and resilient council, we greatly value the positive feedback we receive from our communities. Our ethos is evident in everything we do, from delivering exceptional services to cultivating a supportive and collaborative work culture. We believe in the power of in-person collaboration, where initiative takes flight and conversation sparks innovation.

In continuing to deliver for our communities, we need the very best people to join us, could this be you?

Driving the success and integrity of our democratic processes you will lead a team dedicated to public service excellence. You will manage, Legal Services, Democratic Services and Electoral Services, ensuring legal compliance and modern, efficient service delivery. You will ensure the legal department is a strong support service that meets the Council's evolving needs. Collaborating with members, you will shape policies, set priorities, and provide strategic counsel to achieve the Council's ambitions.

About the role
As you step into this role, you will inherit a well-established legal function within a stable and dynamic political environment, presenting an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate. Working closely with both the Chief Executive and the S151 Officer, you will be part of a vital leadership team, ensuring cohesive and strategic decision-making. As the guardian of our legal standards, you will be responsible for upholding the highest levels of compliance and ethics whilst spearheading key initiatives that support regeneration, environmental sustainability, social wellbeing, and financial foresight. Your role will also involve managing complex legal challenges, including joint ventures and commercial projects, where your strategic and commercial acumen will be instrumental to your success. You will be a crucial voice in shaping policies and guiding our council through its next chapter.

About you
To succeed in this role, you will need to be a legal expert with experience in managing complex legal services. You should possess strong leadership skills, with a proven track record of managing teams through change and delivering results. Your ability to navigate political dynamics with sensitivity and confidence will be critical, as will your skill in providing clear, sound legal advice to senior officers and council members. You will need to be resilient, able to speak truth to power, and capable of making difficult decisions with integrity. With strong commercial acumen and the ability to inspire and motivate, you will lead a service recognised as the best in their field, driving your team to achieve excellence and exceed expectations.

Why Chichester?
At Chichester District Council, we believe in nurturing a supportive and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. Our staff satisfaction ratings are high, reflecting a culture that values teamwork, open communication, and a balanced approach to work and life. With a blend of in-office and remote work opportunities, we ensure that our teams remain productive and connected. You will be joining a stable and respected council that is ready for the future.
This is an exciting time to be part of Chichester District Council, where your contributions will be valued, and your impact will be felt across our communities.

Relocation Package Details | If you currently reside more than 25 miles from the office where this vacancy is based, you may be eligible for a Relocation Package. This package can provide over £9,000 to assist with moving expenses and the purchase of a new property.

Assisted House Purchase Scheme | In addition to the Relocation Package, the successful candidate may also qualify for support under the Council’s Assisted House Purchase Scheme. Further details on this scheme are available upon request and can be discussed during the interview process.

For more information about this exciting opportunity or to discuss your suitability, please contact: Kembi Coakelin at kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com or 07778 364191 at GatenbySanderson.

Closing date: 15 September 2024

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.