Director of Legal (Monitoring Officer)
Thank you for your interest in joining Trafford Council as our Director of Legal and Governance Services and statutory Monitoring Officer. This is a significant leadership role at the heart of the organisation, offering the opportunity to help shape the future of both the Council and the borough.
Trafford is a successful and outward-looking borough at the heart of Greater Manchester, with strong communities, a thriving economy and significant regeneration opportunities. We are proud of our track record as a well-run and financially resilient council, and we remain ambitious about what comes next. As local government continues to evolve, strong governance, sound judgement and effective leadership have never been more important.
As Monitoring Officer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting good governance, high standards and confident decision-making across the organisation. This role goes well beyond legal compliance. You will provide independent statutory assurance, strategic insight and trusted counsel at the highest levels of the Council, helping elected Members and senior leaders navigate complex issues with confidence, integrity and transparency.
You will join a collaborative Corporate Leadership Team that shares responsibility for the Council’s performance and future success. We are looking for someone who can build trusted relationships, provide constructive challenge and bring the credibility, influence and judgement required to lead in a complex and politically sensitive environment.
Trafford is entering an important phase in its development. Alongside supporting economic growth and regeneration, we are focused on continual improvement and strengthening the way we operate. We are committed to driving improvement where it is needed, particularly within children’s services, while building on our reputation as a well-run and financially responsible council and continuing to address the challenges facing local government. We need a Monitoring Officer who can help us navigate complexity, uphold the highest standards of governance and provide the assurance and challenge that enables effective and well-informed decisions.
What excites me most about this role is its ability to influence both organisational culture and public outcomes. The successful candidate will lead a broad portfolio spanning legal, democratic, electoral, registrars and information governance services, while helping to shape the future direction of the Council.
Our people are our greatest strength. Guided by our EPIC values of Empowering, People-Centred, Inclusive and Collaborative, our colleagues are committed to serving the borough and delivering our shared vision that Trafford is a place where all residents, businesses and communities can thrive.
If you are an experienced legal and governance leader who combines professional expertise with sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to public service, I encourage you to explore this opportunity further.
Sara Todd
Chief Executive, Trafford Council