Senior Solicitor (non-property) Salary Band, BU Corporate Resources, Head Office, Warrington Reporting to the Head of Legal Services Professional and Technical Job Family, Role Profile 4 _____________________________________________ Purpose Under the general direction of the Head of Legal Services, the post holder will be responsible for providing a comprehensive legal service to the NWDA on its liabilities, obligations and risks. Organisational Structure Org Chart Attached Key Activities • • • • • • • • •
The provision of high quality legal advice on operational matters which involve complex legal issues. Manage the documentation of grant funding in relation to non-property projects. Ensure NWDA conforms to statutory requirements and that any areas of action or improvement are highlighted in a timely and appropriate manner. Working with the Head of Legal Services review activities of the NWDA to make recommendations in respect of best practice, efficiency and effectiveness of applications and methodologies. Assist the Head of Legal and the Legal Services Manager in co-ordinating legal services for the Agency. Devise and develop procedures for liaising with legal advisors used by the Agency. Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives such as best practice within NWDA. Ensure correct procedures are in place for the management of all legal documentation. Supervise junior staff within the department and assist with their professional development.
Decision Making Senior Management and Officers will look to the post holder for legal advice and direction. Planning and Organising
Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources
The post holder will assist the Head of Legal Services to ensure that all aspects of legal work associated with the Regional Economic Strategy, Corporate Plan, Business Plan and Strategic Investment Plan are properly addressed during implementation. A detailed understanding of current legislation and a thorough knowledge of developing and forthcoming legislation is required to ensure that the Agency remains legally compliant across all its activities. The post holder will need to demonstrate the ability to handle a large amount of work and be able to prioritise accordingly. Relationships The post holder will be an ambassador for the Agency on all legal matters and will deal directly with: • • • • •
NWDA employees NWDA legal advisors External legal bodies acting for and against the Agency DTI officials Government Office for the Northwest officials
The post holder will need to develop a good working relationship with internal contacts and external advisers. Knowledge, Skills and Experience • • • • • • • •
Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the legal framework in the UK and Europe, including government legislation and initiatives. Qualified LLB with a current practising certificate and significant post qualification experience gained at a major law firm or large public body with a background specialising in commercial or projects preferable. Full member of the Law Society. Experience of development and implementation of legal procedures. Knowledge of the NWDA or other RDA. The ability to act independently and proactively with limited supervision. Confident public speaker. IT literate.
Professional and Technical Services Job Family
Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources
ROLE PROFILE 4 Role Purpose To develop and manage effective operations within an area of professional services and contribute professional expertise to ensure the overall effectiveness of the function. Accountabilities • Devise, develop and implement operational policies and procedures to deliver strategic intent • Assist with the development of overall strategy for the function • Develop direct and supervise professional staff in function to ensure their effective operation • Provide expert advice to managerial colleagues regarding functional specialism to assist their management • Resolve complex technical issues and queries outside of routine operations to support the work of colleagues • Provide expert advice and interpretation regarding the operation of functional system and processes • Provide high level professional expertise in a specialist area within overall function to ensure the provision of quality advice to colleagues • Devise, develop and implement operational policies and procedures to deliver strategic intent • Provide detailed reports and professional analysis regarding the operation of the function • Deputise for the Head of Function to ensure continuity of leadership Performance Indicators • • • • • • •
Quality of new procedures Quality of assistance to senior managers Performance appraisals documented and delivered Feedback from staff Feedback from Head of Functional Development of own staff Feedback from colleagues assisted
Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources
Knowledge / Skills / Experience • • • • • •
Fully qualified professional with significant professional experience Full member of professional body Experience of managing others Experienced in developing and implementing new ways of working Knowledge of work of NWDA or similar organisation Understanding of legislative and regulatory framework
Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources
Competencies Building and Managing Relationships B Actively develops relationships • Opens discussions with others about the quality of working relationships in addition to task focus • Has a strong, purposeful wide network of contacts • Takes steps to manage how others view them • Makes time to meet people and develop mutual understanding • Takes part in professional association or other similar social and networking events Developing Others B Manages staffs performance • • • • •
Assist with an individuals formal development planning Expresses positive expectations about potential for performance improvement Gives balance, constructive and evidenced based feedback on performance Takes time to discus performance in addition to formal appraisal Clarifies in terms of competencies and output performance requirements
Leadership B Promotes team effectiveness • Encourages all group members to participate fully to build team effectiveness. • Integrates the skills and abilities of the team to create a successful unit. • Actively takes steps to build the team in order to promote group morale Represents interests of their team/function within NWDA. • Takes responsibility for performance and general feedback about the team. Planning and Organising B Develops realistic estimates and plans • • • •
Allows a degree of flexibility into plans to accommodate changing circumstances. Keeps others informed of any changes to plans / service delivery. Monitors progress against key milestones on an ongoing basis. Conducts post-project reviews.
Service Orientation D Builds a partnership • Has a relationship with customers based on a complex understanding of their needs and • their inter dependence • Develops and amends services to meet the long term requirements of customers. Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources
Senior Solicitor (non-property), Corporate Resources