Post: Head of Corporate (Legal)
Salary: MG 4 - £74,046 - £86,019 (pro rata)
Hours: 25 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Various (Peterlee, Northallerton and Middlesbrough). Although the place of employment will be Middlesbrough, legal services operate hybrid working across the three force estates, court locations and homeworking.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced legal professional to join Evolve Legal Services as our Head of Corporate.
Working as a key member of the Legal Services Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership for the Corporate portfolio area. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Deputy Director of Legal Services, helping to shape the future direction of legal services across the police collaboration while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, commercially focused and legally compliant advice.
This is a role for an exceptional leader who combines deep legal expertise with strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a genuine passion for developing people.
The Role
As Head of Corporate within Evolve Legal Services, you will:
- Lead and manage a team of Lawyers and Paralegals, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, responsive and professional legal service.
- Act as the accountable lead for regulatory compliance, professional standards and legal expertise across the corporate portfolio.
- Provide specialist legal advice to senior leaders including Chief Officers, Directors, Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayoral offices and other key stakeholders.
- Support and deputise for the Deputy Director of Legal Services as required.
- Oversee complex, high-profile and sensitive legal matters, ensuring effective risk management and quality assurance.
- Contribute to the strategic direction, business planning, resourcing and performance management of Legal Services.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence across the function.
- Manage budgets, resources and external legal expenditure, ensuring best value principles are applied.
- Build strong partnerships with stakeholders across the collaboration and represent Legal Services at local, regional and national forums.
- Foster an inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture, with a strong focus on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning.
We are seeking a qualified Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive, or an individual with equivalent experience in a regulated legal environment. You will have a proven track record of leading professional teams, advising senior stakeholders on complex and sensitive matters, and applying a strong understanding of legislation, governance and regulatory requirements. Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills are essential, alongside the ability to build effective relationships and drive high-quality service delivery.
This is a unique opportunity to take on a highly visible leadership role where your expertise will directly support policing, governance and public service delivery.
To view further detail on the post, please click here for the job description.
If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Marianne Clarke, Evolve Legal Services Deputy Director via Marianne.Clarke@cleveland.police.uk, or Xanthe Tait, Director of Collaborative Evolve Legal Services, via Xanthe.Tait@cleveland.police.uk.
Please click here to view further information and benefits on working for Cleveland Police
If you are interested in applying for this role please progress your application via the link. Application forms should be completed no later than 23:55 on the specified closing date.
Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 7th December 2026.
Cleveland Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. All appointments will be made on merit.
https://clevelandpolice.engageats.co.uk/Vacancies/W/5790/0/476453/19486/head-of-corporate-legal-ref-26-102
Regardless of the applicant, this role is on current Cleveland Police Terms and Conditions as per Police Staff Council.
e Staff Council.