Chief Legal Officer

Join an award-winning council with genuine momentum.

Sandwell Council is one of the West Midlands' largest and most ambitious local authorities, serving more than 300,000 residents across six towns. Having undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, the Council is now focused on building on that progress, driving continuous improvement and delivering excellent outcomes for its communities.

We are now seeking an exceptional legal leader to join us as Chief Legal Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Sandwell's journey.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director for Finance and Transformation, you will be the Council's principal legal adviser, providing strategic legal leadership across a large, complex and politically led organisation. You will advise elected members and senior leaders on significant legal, governance and regulatory matters, ensuring the highest standards of legality, transparency and public accountability.

This is a highly influential corporate leadership role with responsibility for Legal Services alongside a broader portfolio that includes Procurement, Registration Services and Data Compliance. While strong legal expertise is essential, this appointment is about much more than technical legal advice. It is an opportunity to lead organisational improvement, shape governance, oversee key transformation programmes and provide trusted challenge and support at the heart of the Council.

A particular priority will be supporting the ongoing transformation of Procurement, strengthening governance, assurance and organisational controls, while continuing the development of modern, customer-focused professional services that enable the Council to achieve its ambitions.

About you

We are looking for an outstanding legal professional with experience of leading legal services within local government or a comparable public sector environment. As the Council's senior legal professional, you will be a trusted adviser and comfortable providing constructive challenge, navigating competing priorities and helping shape decisions that support both good governance and the delivery of the Council's ambitions.

You will have a track record of leading change and improvement, with experience of modernising services, developing high-performing teams and driving better outcomes. Equally important is your ability to think strategically, influence beyond professional boundaries and provide practical, solution-focused advice that supports organisational success.

If you are looking for a role where your advice is valued, your influence extends far beyond legal services and your leadership can make a lasting impact, we would like to hear from you.

Find out more

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact, Chantelle Wooldridge on 07557018320 or Anita Denton on 07725 554802.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 15^th November

Recruitment Timeline:

• Recruitment Webinar: Wednesday 4^th November
• Closing Date: Sunday 15^th November
• Longlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 19^th November
• Psychometric Assessments: Thursday 19^th November & Friday 20^th November
• Preliminary Interviews (In person in Sandwell): Tuesday 1^st December & Wednesday 2^nd December
• Shortlist Meeting (no candidate involvement): Wednesday 2^nd December
• Final Interviews (in person): Tuesday 10^th December

To apply:

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact ella.vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk

Applications must include:

• Full contact details
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period;
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk

If the organisation we’re representing is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you’d like to apply under the scheme, please mention this clearly in bold at the top of your supporting statement. If there are any adjustments that would support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.