Head of Legal (Deputy Monitoring Officer)

As the Head of Legal you will be responsible for leading, developing and managing the Legal Services Team, directing resources to deliver efficient and high-quality legal support to the MCA across the full range of required legal specialisms. You will lead the organisation through legislative change, horizon scan for legal developments that impact on the MCA's functions and communicate these effectively to Members and Senior Leaders.

You will provide pro-active, risk-based, legal and strategic advice and support on complex, high value, and high-risk programmes and projects. You'll also, participate in the MCA business planning cycles to ensure that appropriate arrangements and resources are in place to support the organisation to meet its objectives.
You will proactively manage relationships with external legal advisors, insurance brokers, land surveyors and other professional services as required, ensuring value for money for the MCA. You'll develop and implement performance measurement and reporting processes to support the delivery of an effective legal service and act as the training principal for trainee lawyers supporting their learning and development with the MCA.

You'll be a qualified Solicitor with experience in a senior management position leading a professional legal team with knowledge of the legal framework, the role, function and statutory powers of the Combined Authority.
You will have the ability to make risk-based legal judgements and articulate these clearly to enable sound decision making at a leadership and political level, and have strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to deliver a proactive service and continuously improve.
It is essential that you have significant experience in at least three of the following areas: public procurement, commercial contracts, commercial property, regeneration, transport, adult education & skills, local government administration, regulatory law, policing.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the MCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for., The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the SYMCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

In recent years significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, and further funding has recently been secured through the region's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As result we have a large and growing capital programme to deliver in support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor's 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together - and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions.

All colleagues have access to a local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of benefits include -
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway!
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on the job training and qualifications
Holiday - Up to 36 days annual leave (depending on length of service). Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.