Assistant Director, Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Are you passionate about the role of good governance in shaping public services?

Ipswich is a town with a rich heritage and an exciting future. As a regional centre, we play a vital role in Suffolk’s economic success. This is the perfect time to join us. We have developed an ambitious new corporate strategy and operating model that maximises the many opportunities available and defines our core purpose to champion our community and revitalise our town.

We are on an exciting journey as we look to champion our vibrant communities and prioritise the revitalisation of our county town. As part of this, we are looking for a talented lawyer with a passion for outstanding governance who can help us achieve our ambitions for Ipswich.
About the role
Reporting to the Council’s Director of Resources and with a dotted line to our Chief Executive, this is your opportunity to make a broad and important contribution to the Council’s leadership, governance and decision-making. 
You will develop and deliver a portfolio of services which ensure a sound corporate governance framework for the Council, in support of our strategic aims. As our principal legal advisor, you’ll provide the strategic direction, corporate leadership and advice on all matters relating to Legal Services. This post is the Council’s Monitoring Officer and leads democratic services, including the elections team. It also line manages the Head of Legal Services, which includes land charges  and the Head of Audit & Fraud Services.
This is a great opportunity to help Ipswich Borough Council’s future governance, decision making and achievements as well as being part of the corporate management team to drive delivery of our new Corporate Plan. As such it would be an ideal career opportunity for an experienced or a suitably qualified aspiring Monitoring Officer ready to make the next career step. This opportunity might be suitable for a suitably qualified solicitor, barrister or qualified legal executive working in a closely aligned sector
About Ipswich
As Britain’s oldest Anglo-Saxon town, we have amazing heritage coupled with great arts and culture. We are an urban borough, home to 140,000 people and just one hour from London, all surrounded by the beautiful Suffolk countryside and coastline. Our Waterfront area, home to the University of Suffolk, the Ipswich Marina and a host of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, builds on our proud history as a maritime powerhouse.
Let’s talk about you
This is a role for a qualified legal professional (solicitor, barrister or FILEX) who will bring a wealth of enthusiasm, supplemented with experience of working in a complex, multi-faceted legal and governance leadership role. We will give you the opportunity to develop and grow, and can provide the support to help you achieve your professional and career ambitions.
For a confidential discussion, contact our retained advisors at Tile Hill: Mark Bearn (07747 181490) or email mark.bearn@tile-hill.co.uk