Legal & Democratic Services Divisional Manager (Monitoring Officer)

Chichester District Council

West Sussex

  • Location West Sussex
  • Sector Local Government
  • Client Chichester District Council
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration Up to £88,183 per annum plus relocation package
  • Reference GSe114294.1
  • Closing Date Sunday 13th April (23:55)

Lead Chichester's Legacy and Help Shape West Sussex' Future

At Chichester District Council, we take great pride in leading the transformation of our vibrant city, located in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Our commitment to thoughtful and sustainable development positions Chichester as a beacon of opportunity on the South Coast—a place where residents, visitors, and businesses thrive. Here, heritage blends effortlessly with modernity, creating unparalleled opportunities for living, working, and leisure.

Chichester, along with our wider network across West Sussex, is a community with a big heart and even greater ambitions. This is an outstanding  opportunity to work closely with one of the most dynamic and experienced senior leadership teams on the south coast.  As we move toward devolution and navigate the changing landscape of local government in West Sussex, this role offers you the chance to be at the forefront of shaping the future of both the council and the region. If you're seeking a challenge and an opportunity to position yourself at the heart of the new local government landscape, this is your moment.

 

About the role

As you step into this role, you will inherit a well established legal function within a stable and dynamic political environment, presenting an exciting opportunity to lead and innovate. Working closely with both the Chief Executive and the S151 Officer, you will be part of a vital leadership team, ensuring cohesive and strategic decision making. As the guardian of our legal standards, you will be responsible for upholding the highest levels of compliance and ethics making a key contribution to major initiatives that support regeneration, environmental sustainability, social wellbeing, and financial foresight. Your role will also involve managing complex legal challenges, including joint ventures and commercial projects, where your strategic and commercial acumen will be instrumental to your success. You will be a crucial voice in shaping policies and guiding our council through its next chapter as we prepare for significant local government reform.

 

About you

To succeed in this role, you will need to be a legal expert with experience in managing complex legal services. You should possess strong leadership skills, with a proven track record of managing teams through change and delivering results. Your ability to navigate political dynamics with sensitivity and confidence will be critical, as will your skill in providing clear, sound legal advice to senior officers and council members. You will need to be resilient, able to speak truth to power, and capable of making difficult decisions with integrity. With strong commercial acumen and the ability to inspire and motivate, you will lead a service recognised as the best in their field, driving your team to achieve excellence and exceed expectations.

 

Why Chichester?

At Chichester District Council, we believe in nurturing a supportive and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. Our staff satisfaction ratings are high, reflecting a culture that values teamwork, open communication, and a balanced approach to work and life. With a blend of in-office and remote work opportunities, we ensure that our teams remain productive and connected. You will be joining a stable and respected council that is ready for the future.

This is an exciting time to be part of Chichester District Council, where your contributions will be valued, and your impact will be felt across our communities.

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Relocation package details

If you currently reside more than 25 miles from the office where this vacancy is based, you may be eligible for a Relocation Package. This package can provide over £9,000 to assist with moving expenses and the purchase of a new property.

Assisted House Purchase Scheme

In addition to the Relocation Package, the successful candidate may also qualify for support under the Council’s Assisted House Purchase Scheme. Further details on this scheme are available upon request and can be discussed during the interview process.

Contacts

Kembi Coakelin: 07778 364 191

Continue to full details and apply

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