City Solicitor & Monitoring Officer

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.

INFORMATION

To find out more about the role, please visit our dedicated Senior Recruitment microsite: Home - Leading in Manchester

For further information and to apply visit our agency partner Starfish Search  or ring them on

Tom Ripley (07701 217 520) or Tim Farr (07756 293 292).

TIMELINE

Closing date:                                            1^st November 2026
Longlist meeting:                                    5^th November 2026
Preliminary interviews:                         w/c 9^th November 2026 (Teams)
Shortlist meeting:                                   16^th November 2026
1:1s with Leader and CEx:                      23^rd November 2026 (Teams)
Stakeholder and final panels:                30^th 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. Learn more 

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. Learn more