WMCA is an ever-evolving organisation with a remit that is different today to that of yesteryear. We’re going to be receiving more and more funding for transport, for housing and for skills. Our net zero agenda is growing too as we start to bring in funding for retrofitting homes, energy infrastructure and enhancing the natural environment – and now is an exciting time as we embed our vision and purpose, and transform how we work, how we manage our performance, our culture and behaviours and the structure of the organisation.

Our Law & Governance teams have changed too. We’re moving away from a traditional model to a proactive, solutions focused way of working. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal moment for our organisation.

As our new Head of Legal you will lead, motivate, develop and empower a team to deliver an operational legal service, implementing and maintaining key legal initiatives, processes and procedures that set standards, and reinforce a culture of accountability, integrity, quality, ethical behaviour, and responsibility to ensure a full, compliant, pragmatic, and cost-effective legal service to the Authority.

What will you be doing?

• Work closely with stakeholders to identify need for legal services and manage resources, both external and internal, within budget to achieve maximum efficiencies
• Lead on identifying the legal risks and implications of the Authority’s transactions, keeping the Director of Law and Governance and senior management teams informed of changes and developments in law
• Provide leadership and management of direct reports and the wider team, ensuring that individual development is aligned with the aims and objectives of the WMCA, ensuring succession planning and resilience in the team
• Provide training and support to stakeholders and wider communities to drive best practice and compliance into these communities
• Pro-actively network internally, externally and to identify and implement best practice
• Implement fit for purpose operating systems across the portfolio, supporting a drive for fully online, integrated, efficient, user driven operability
• Act as the Deputy Monitoring Officer for the Authority, supporting the Director of Law and Governance in ensuring that Members and Officers receive timely advice on matters of law, corporate governance, and the ethical framework

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced strategic leader who has substantial knowledge and post-qualification experience in one or more of the areas covered by the WMCA, and who is committed to continuous improvement, passionate about building capability and developing others.

The role will suit someone who can think strategically and systemically, as well as being comfortable with detail, has strong project and programme management skills, with an ability to manage problems actively and seek resolutions before they become issues and who has excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the WMCA.

Our ideal applicant will have a good understanding of the role of the West Midlands Combined Authority; its strategic aims and objectives, working knowledge of local government procedures, and knowledge of the legal regime within which a Mayoral Combined Authority operates.

If you thrive on new challenges, this is a great place to work, and a terrific opportunity to make a difference in an ever-changing environment.

About us

WMCA is committed to a better connected, more prosperous, fairer, greener and healthier region. This is our vision. We will achieve our vision through living our values which are central to how we work and interact with our wider partners and stakeholders.

We’re a partnership organisation. Our people feel valued and respected, have a can-do attitude and are innovators. We try new ways of doing things, we aren’t afraid to fail, learn from what went wrong and try again. Our people are empowered to be creative and explore and innovate.

We are a “Leaders in Diversity” accredited organisation, are in the Inclusive Top 50 Employers List and are one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have made a positive commitment to interviewing all applicants with a disability who meet the essential role criteria. We are committed to building a team of people with varied backgrounds and experiences as we recognise that this will only benefit us as an employer, the more inclusive we are the better our work will be.

As an organisation, we will continue to adapt and develop to the opportunities and challenges ahead. We will continue to transform ourselves and our organisation into the best we can be, underpinned by our values and behaviours and everyone contributes towards achieving our vision.

Furthermore, wherever possible we will offer flexible working options which assist work-life balance. We are very happy to discuss a flexible working pattern that suits your needs, so please do not let that be a barrier to applying. If your values align with ours and you’re committed to working towards creating a future we can all be proud of, we want to hear from you.

About your application

The online Application Form you'll be asked to complete plays a key part in our recruitment and selection process. We use the information you provide to decide whether to invite you for an interview. It is important that you complete the Application Form as fully and accurately as possible. You will be asked to upload a Supporting Statement (not a CV) and this should include specific examples which demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role for which you are applying. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods to the online application as a reasonable adjustment please contact the Resourcing Team by email (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Head of Legal Services JD.docx

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.