Senior Legal Manager (People)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced, skilled senior legal team manager to join our high‑performing Legal Services Team and to lead our People Team on a permanent basis. If you are a confident, talented and enthusiastic legal leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and values collaborative working, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

In this pivotal role, you will lead a highly respected team that provides expert legal advice across key areas including safeguarding (for adults and children), coronial law, education, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The team has an excellent reputation and we are looking for a leader who will help build on this success as we expand the scope of the team to include a broader range of people‑focused legal matters.

We are seeking a qualified solicitor with proven experience in leading legal teams and a strong understanding of safeguarding law, relevant legal processes and best practice which is the core work of the team. Your expertise and leadership will play a crucial role in shaping a service that supports some of the most significant work within the Council. Equally important is your ability to be a supportive and empowering leader — someone who invests in their team, promotes wellbeing and professional growth, and helps colleagues thrive.

As a member of the Legal Services management team, you will collaborate with colleagues to drive service priorities, maintain a positive and high‑performing culture and ensure alignment with wider Council objectives.

Our Legal Service is a supportive, collaborative and friendly team, where colleagues work together in a people‑centred and professional environment. The team is recognised as a trusted, well‑regarded service that provides high‑quality, solutions‑focused advice across the Council.

This role offers flexibility to work from home, with some attendance at our offices in Chester and Ellesmere Port. We offer flexi‑time and flexible working arrangements, aligned with business needs, to support a positive work–life balance.

We are committed to continuous professional development and provide ongoing training and learning opportunities to support your growth.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We may decide to close the advert before the closing date if we have sufficient applications so please do not delay in submitting your application.

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see 

No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £ per hour for all contracted hours.