We are unable to accept applications via this site. Please apply using the following link - https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126601/Director-of-Legal-and-Governance-Monitoring-Officer/

All about the Role

Shape the Future, a City of Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership role, reporting to the Director of Legal & Governance. You'll be responsible for the operational delivery of Legal and Land Charges services, managing a team of around 40 professionals across a wide range of specialisms – including child protection, education, commercial contracts, planning, property, litigation, and adult social care. You'll also play a key role in modernising workflows, improving performance, and ensuring the team delivers high-quality, cost-effective legal advice and outcomes.

You'll lead on, client engagement, and staff development – including legal trainee schemes, apprenticeships, and other development pathways. You'll be responsible for a £2.2m budget and will lead on financial processes, billing, and contract management. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior lawyer ready to step into a strategic leadership role.

All about Peterborough City Council

Peterborough is one of the UK's most dynamic and fast-growing cities. With a refreshed Corporate Strategy focused on inclusive growth, regeneration, and financial sustainability, we're transforming how we work – and legal services are central to that journey. We're now seeking a Head of Legal Services to lead our capable team and act as Deputy Monitoring Officer.

All about You

You'll need to be a qualified solicitor or barrister with experience in complex public sector environments, and a passion for inclusion, innovation, and partnership working. Whether you're a current Deputy Monitoring Officer or looking to take that next step, we want someone with energy, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to making a difference.

You'll be joining a council that's modernising and reintegrating services, with a strong focus on governance, inclusion, and staff development. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of legal services, support major regeneration and commercial projects, and contribute to the council's wider transformation agenda.

This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, politically complex environment and wants to make a tangible impact. If you're ready to lead with integrity, challenge the status quo, and help build a legal service fit for the future, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information or to have a discussion about the role, please contact Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) or Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com).

We are unable to accept applications via this site. Please apply using the following link - https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe126601/Director-of-Legal-and-Governance-Monitoring-Officer/

All about our Benefits 
We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme… 

• Access to a range of benefits via Vivup, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes 
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)  
• Access to car lease scheme 
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances 
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings 
• Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth 
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day 
• Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network 
• Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards 

All about our Commitments 
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are disabled and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk  we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.