Head of Legal – People & Place (Deputy Monitoring Officer)
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is looking for an experienced public-sector lawyer to join its Legal, Governance & Compliance Service as Head of Legal – People & Place and Deputy Monitoring Officer.
This is a senior strategic role at an exciting time for WYCA, with further devolved powers set to bring new opportunities and responsibilities for the region.
Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer, you will provide strategic legal leadership across Corporate & Commercial workstreams and act as a key adviser to Members and senior officers.
You will also play an important role in supporting the Monitoring Officer and ensuring WYCA continues to operate within a robust governance framework.
This is an opportunity to join WYCA at a genuinely interesting point in its development, with the chance to influence major projects and help shape the future of the West Yorkshire region.
The role will involve:
• Leading legal advice across Corporate & Commercial workstreams
• Advising Members and senior officers on complex and strategically important matters
• Supporting WYCA as it prepares for further devolved powers
• Working closely with senior stakeholders including Chief Executives
• Supporting the Monitoring Officer in their statutory role
• Deputising for the Assistant Director of Legal, Governance & Compliance Services
The Offer
• Salary progression - The current salary progression for this role is £79,808 to £91,777, with incremental increases applicable in most cases on an annual basis
• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
Other Benefits
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Investing in you – Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
WYCA is looking for someone with:
• Significant recent post-qualification experience as a Solicitor or Barrister
• Substantial local government and public law experience
• Significant experience leading legal teams and influencing senior leaders
• The confidence to advise Members and senior stakeholders in a political environment
Interested
If you'd like to have a confidential conversation about the role, the team and what WYCA is looking for, please get in touch with Nik Stoate at Venn Group