Overview
Head of Legal Services – Trowbridge
Job Description
We are looking for an ambitious, forward‑thinking legal leader who wants to make a real difference for the people of Wiltshire.
As our Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will bring strong technical expertise, a collaborative approach, and the confidence to work at pace in a large and complex organisation.
You will lead a sizeable and talented team, providing clear direction, developing others, and guiding colleagues through change with confidence and integrity. You will be politically astute, with a strong understanding of local government governance, constitutional requirements, and the wider political environment, ensuring the service provides high‑quality, resilient, and legally sound advice across the organisation.
We are looking for someone who embraces modernisation and is excited by the chance to transform how legal services operate. You will be proficient using data, digital tools, and emerging technologies such as AI to support evidence‑based decision making, raise the profile of the service, and ensure we continue to deliver high‑quality, efficient, and future‑focused legal support. Experience in one of the various specialisms within the wider team such as Commercial, Children’s, Adults, Litigation will be a given, but the ability to adapt and pick up new areas quickly is just as important.
Wiltshire is a county full of opportunity, scale, and natural beauty, and Wiltshire Council is a place where committed, motivated leaders can flourish.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career on your journey to being a Director and want to help shape the future of a modern, resilient, and ambitious legal service, we would love to hear from you, find out more about working at Wiltshire and how to apply here
Please upload your CV and a Supporting Statement (maximum four A4 pages each).
Your CV should include contact details for two referees, one must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages and only with your permission.
In your Supporting Statement, tell us why you are interested in this role and share examples of your experience that show how you meet the person specification.
All applications must be submitted online, including the supporting statement.
For more details or an informal discussion with Sarah Fraser, Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant, or if you would like to speak to Perry Holmes, Director of Legal and Governance please contact Sarah Fraser here or call 01225 713164.
The council is committed to creating an environment of positive working relationships where everyone feels engaged, supported and able to thrive. Our Identity is a framework which sets out how we are all expected to lead, work and act to deliver our services. We will not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment of any kind. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect which is underpinned by our vision and Our Identity framework.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. Read our statement of commitment to equality and inclusion .
Disability Confident Employer
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
