Interim Assistant Director Legal and People (72k)

Job Title: Assistant Director: Legal and People
Salary: £72,336 per annum / £38.55 per hour
Location: Newry or Downpatrick (Hybrid)
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract: Initial interim contract with the view to becoming permanent

The Role

Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Legal and People to join our Corporate Services team. Reporting to the Corporate Services Director, this strategic role will manage and lead the Legal, Human Resources, Compliance, and Customer Services functions. As a key member of our Corporate Management Team, you will contribute to the Council's strategic objectives by providing expert legal and people management services across multiple disciplines.

You will be instrumental in driving transformation initiatives, ensuring compliance, and enhancing service delivery across the Council, positively impacting our residents, partners, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal and employment services, including legal advice, contract management, and advocacy.
• Manage the Human Resources function, leading on employee relations, equality, and organisational development.
• Support Council’s strategic direction by delivering on key corporate and community priorities.
• Lead programmes focused on service improvement, budget management, and digital innovation.

Essential Criteria

• Qualified barrister or solicitor with a current practising certificate or entitlement to hold one in Northern Ireland.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience influencing strategic decisions and advising on legal matters in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in at least two areas: legal advisory services, contract management, litigation, employment law, or property-related matters.
• Demonstrated team leadership and budget management experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in Northern Ireland Planning Law.
• Tribunal experience in employment law.

Competencies

• Strategic Mindset
• Collaboration and Partnership
• Leading Change and Transformation
• Service Delivery

For more information, please contact Ethan Boylan for a confidential conversation regarding this opportunity.