Legal Strategic Business Partner

Are you ready to shape the future of legal services, not just deliver them? This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious legal, operational or business improvement professional who wants to move beyond a traditional solicitor, lawyer or practice management role. As a key member of the Legal Leadership Team, you will work at the heart of decision-making, helping shape how Legal Services supports the council's priorities while driving innovation, performance and transformation across the organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders and service areas, you will act as a trusted strategic partner, using data, insight and commercial thinking to challenge conventional approaches and influence change. You will analyse demand, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations that inform how resources are prioritised to deliver the greatest impact. Acting as a key point of contact for service areas, you will help develop practical solutions to business challenges, strengthen relationships and support better outcomes across the council.

You will build a deep understanding of the council's priorities, services and pressures, helping Legal Services and service areas work together more effectively. You will help identify opportunities for service improvement, innovation and demand management, including the use of training, guidance, templates and new ways of working to achieve better outcomes.

This is a highly varied role that combines stakeholder engagement, performance improvement, project leadership, service development and strategic problem-solving. Success will come from your ability to translate complex information into practical actions that improve efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes.

If you are energised by solving complex challenges, influencing senior stakeholders and driving meaningful organisational change, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a visible impact. Whether your background is in legal services, business partnering, transformation, performance management, data analytics or operational leadership, you will find a platform to broaden your experience, shape strategy and help create a modern, resilient and forward-thinking Legal Service. Apply now and be part of a team that is redefining how legal services deliver value across the council.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Marcus Wilson, Head of Legal Services, at [email protected] 

Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.

Application criteria

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services. 

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion 

Disability Confident Employer 

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.