City Solicitor & Monitoring Officer

INFORMATION

Manchester is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Globally recognised for its culture, innovation and economic success, it is also a place that consistently sets the pace in public service reform, partnership working and civic leadership.

As the city continues to deliver ambitious growth, deepen devolution and tackle some of the most complex opportunities and challenges facing local government, strong legal and governance leadership has never been more important.

As Fiona Ledden steps down in May 2027, Manchester is seeking its next City Solicitor and Monitoring Officer to join its Corporate Management Team and help shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious and influential cities. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Corporate Services and City Treasurer, and working closely with the Chief Executive and elected members, you will provide strategic legal, governance and constitutional leadership at the heart of the organisation.

As the Council’s statutory Monitoring Officer, you will safeguard the highest standards of legality, probity and ethical governance, while leading a broad portfolio that includes the shared legal service for Manchester and Salford, alongside Democratic Services, Electoral Services, Strategic Communications, Registration Services and the Coroner’s Service.

We are seeking a qualified solicitor or barrister with outstanding legal judgement and leadership credentials. As a trusted adviser to elected members and senior colleagues alike, you will bring the political awareness, influencing skills and organisational presence required to operate effectively at the centre of a complex democratic organisation. Whether already operating at this level or ready to step into a role of national significance, you will bring the credibility, resilience and strategic vision needed to support Manchester’s continued growth, influence and success.

TIMELINE

Closing date: 1st November 2026

Longlist meeting: 5th November 2026

Preliminary interviews: w/c 9th November 2026 (Teams)

Shortlist meeting: 16th November 2026

1:1s with Leader and CEx: 23rd November 2026 (Teams)

Stakeholder and final panels: 30th November 2026 (in-person)

Use of AI

You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else’s experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee progression to the assessment stage for applicants who meet the essential criteria used for shortlisting and are eligible under the scheme.

Support and Adjustments

If you’re successful in securing a role, we’ll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we’ll consider adapting aspects of the role.

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone.

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks

Our commitment to inclusion

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce.

GM Elevate Programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.

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