Up to £100,000 per annum (includes a market supplement)

Somerset Council is a place with real momentum. There’s a distinctive sense of possibility here. We are a young council still shaping its future, ambitious for its communities and committed to building a fairer, greener, more resilient Somerset. While we face the same financial and demand pressures seen across local government, we also benefit from a developing culture of improvement, strong partnerships and the combined strength and expertise of our predecessor councils. It’s a promise to our residents that we are determined to keep.

As Head of Legal Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer, you will sit at the heart of the organisation, helping to enable good decisions, strong governance and confident leadership at a time of continued transformation. This is a senior leadership role with real influence. You’ll be leading the modernisation of our legal service, shaping culture and ways of working, and providing trusted, pragmatic advice to members and senior officers across a complex and evolving council.

We are looking for a high-calibre legal professional who combines technical excellence with leadership credibility and emotional intelligence. You will be someone who can operate comfortably in a political environment, translate complex legal risk into clear and constructive advice, and bring a solutions-focused mindset to everything you do. Just as important, you will be a people-centred leader with an ability to inspire, develop and modernise a legal service that is proactive, collaborative and enabling, not risk-averse or siloed.

This is a rare opportunity for a brilliant legal brain with that extra spark – the ability to blend governance, commercial awareness and leadership into a compelling narrative that supports transformation and helps Somerset Council move forward with confidence.

To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our consultants at Penna: · Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 or email: kelly.ridley@penna.com · James Miller on 07701 233159 or email: james.miller@penna.com · Rachael Morris on 07840 711217 or email: rachael.morris@penna.com

Closing date: 1 February 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.