Bradford is at a pivotal moment of transformation and opportunity. As one of the biggest, youngest, most diverse and enterprising districts in the country, we're committed to building a modern, responsive Council that delivers exceptional services for our communities.

We've recently had our Best Value Notice lifted, secured a capitalisation direction of £127m to support our 5-year financial strategy, and we're in the midst of celebrating our prestigious City of Culture status. With major regeneration projects underway, including a new Southern Gateway, city centre transformation, and improved transport connections, Bradford is truly a place where you can make your mark.

About the Role

As our new Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer), you’ll have every opportunity to make your mark, leading both our legal and governance services through an extraordinary period in the city and council’s history. 

As the Council’s Monitoring Officer, you’ll work with a committed, professional and respectful group of Members to realise the vision for Bradford.  Integral to your role will be your close working relationship with our Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer – the “golden triangle”. 

This is your chance to put in place a sustainable structure for our legal services teams, positioning them to provide outstanding advice and support to our Members and Officers.  Building for the long term, you’ll prioritise a customer first, solutions focused culture, where staff have the opportunity to do meaningful work in a supportive environment that enhances their career development.

You’ll also lead a broad and critical portfolio of democratic services including Committee Secretariat, Members Support, Registrars, Mortuary, Civic Affairs and Elections.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced and appropriately qualified lawyer (solicitor or barrister) ready to embrace the opportunity to transform our legal and governance services and make a lasting impact on Bradford's future. You'll be someone who thrives on leading change, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to service improvement. With a background in leading and transforming legal teams and a track record in supporting governance and decision making at board level, you'll understand how to build credibility across our organisation and engage effectively with decision makers on complex, politically sensitive issues.

You'll have a track record of bringing teams together, creating joined-up approaches, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We need a leader who can inspire, develop and empower your team to reach their full potential. As part of our wider senior leadership team, you'll contribute to our improvement journey, working collaboratively to address our priorities of financial sustainability, growth, and improving outcomes for our communities. We're looking for someone who combines strategic vision with practical delivery skills – a leader who can demonstrate personal credibility, resilience, and genuine enthusiasm for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

With your deep understanding of equality and diversity, you'll be comfortable working in one of the UK's most diverse councils and communities. Above all, you'll be someone who delivers on promises – is straightforward, action-oriented, and focused on making a real difference in a place that matters, where your impact will be felt by every resident of Bradford District.

If you're excited by the opportunity to help build an outstanding Council in a district with extraordinary potential, we want to hear from you.

How to apply
For further information and to apply visit www.bradfordontherise.co.uk or contact: Mark Bearn 07747 181490 or Anita Denton 07725 554802 

Closing date: 13 April 2025

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