City Solicitor and Monitoring Officer

Manchester City Council
£148,583 - £170,353
Hackney

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.

THE ROLE

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 Resources & Transformation 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, political awareness and leadership credentials. 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.

INFORMATION

To find out more about the role, please see the role profile, useful links or visit Manchester City Council’s dedicated senior recruitment website via the ‘Click Here’ button below. For more information please contact Tom Ripley (07701 217 520) or Tim Farr (07756 293 292).

Role Profile     City Solicitor Org Chart    
Timeline

Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Longlist meeting (Candidates not required): Friday 6th November 2026
Preliminary interviews (via Teams): w/c 9th November 2026
Shortlist meeting (Candidates not required): w/c 16th November 2026
1:1s with Leader and CEX: w/c 23rd November 2026 (via Teams)
Final panel interviews (In- Person): w/c 30th November 2026 (in-person in Manchester)

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

  • Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
  • A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.

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