Legal Team Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer

Legal Team Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer
North West Leicestershire District Council

£56,883 - £61,520 + £4,326 DMO allowance + £4,140 car allowance (£65,349 - £69,986)

We’re looking for a confident and capable lawyer to lead our in-house legal team and act as Deputy Monitoring Officer. You’ll play a key role in delivering legal support across our corporate agenda, while also helping shape the next phase of our legal service.

This is a senior, hands-on role, ideally suited to a qualified solicitor with expertise in commercial contracts, planning, or regulatory litigation. Experience in local government or managing others is desirable.

About the Role

You'll manage and mentor a team of experienced legal professionals,whilst acting as lead lawyer in one of the following areas: commercial contracts, planning, housing litigation, or property.

The role is largely focused on casework (around 70%), with the remainder being management responsibilities (20%) and Deputy Monitoring Officer duties (10%). Your time will be spent working on varied and impactful projects, from construction contracts and regeneration schemes to key council initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal leadership in your specialist area
• Manage, support and develop the Legal Team Leaders and wider team
• Deliver governance advice and support the Monitoring Officer as needed
• Represent legal services at corporate leadership level and committees
• Oversee the development of the NWL Legal business plan and income strategy
• Maintain and grow professional standards through Lexcel, training and review
• Build relationships across the organisation, supporting member engagement
• Help the team meet performance goals and deliver excellent customer service

Flexible Working Culture

We take a pragmatic approach to presence in the office. There's no mandated pattern, but we identify key meetings and team time together, such as six-weekly full team gatherings and monthly one-to-ones, to stay connected and collaborative. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your own diary.

Committee attendance is mostly in person, but infrequent, and can be managed in advance. There’s flexibility as you build relationships and settle into the role.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified solicitor with experience in at least one of the following: contracts and procurement, planning, regulatory litigation, or property law
• A practical, business-focused approach to legal advice
• Strong drafting and communication skills
• Ideally some team leadership or local authority experience (not essential)
• An interest in growing a team and developing legal services

Why North West Leicestershire?

Our district is rich in character and ambition. It’s home to the Download Festival, Donnington racetrack, the National Forest, and a proud coalfield heritage. We’re a forward-thinking council working on a range of projects that benefit our communities and environment.

Benefits

• UK Healthcare scheme – including eye care, dental and physio
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual leave with purchase scheme available
• Upcoming salary sacrifice and AVC pension schemes
• Good local government pension
• Supportive, friendly, and ambitious legal team

To apply or find out more, get in touch with our recruitment partners at Venn Group