Hybrid Senior Legal Counsel

at Rail Delivery Group

• Job title: Senior Legal Counsel
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: £59,031 - £82,400 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, London, United Kingdom

About the role

• Senior Legal Counsel in the Legal and Procurement Division focusing on rail fares and ticketing reform. Collaborating with stakeholders and providing legal advice on complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Commercial Director and wider team on the FTR programme.
• Acting as the key legal resource for the FTR programme, you’ll work collaboratively across multiple organisations as part of the programme.
• Building strong relationships with in-house teams as well as cross industry stakeholders, including DfT, DfTO, FTR and Network Rail.
• Advising RDG on matters pertaining to the FTR programme, which will include considering complex strategic and commercial issues that are likely to shape the future of industry.
• Considering and balancing the interests of multiple interested parties and helping to facilitate and move towards a cohesive and successful approach to FTR, enabling change and providing a solid platform for GBR.
• Contribute to policy development and strategic decision making with clear, timely and well-reasoned legal input.
• Providing accurate legal advice to colleagues across the organisation (and on behalf of industry) on a variety of legal issues, including commercial contracts, data protection (including GDPR and PECR), competition law, consumer protection legislation and dispute resolution.
• Act as the strategic bridge for the General Counsel, becoming a subject matter expert in FTR, developing proposed solutions for matters and understanding the complex technical frameworks in the FTR space.
• Supporting RDG transition, specifically in regard to fares, ticketing and retail matters, in light of broader industry changes.
• Supporting the organisation on a wide range of legal matters such as contracts, regulatory compliance, litigation, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
• Ad hoc training of RDG colleagues to raise legal awareness and understanding throughout the organisation.

Requirements

• demonstrable strong interpersonal skills in order that they can motivate, negotiate, influence and build strong relationships with all levels of staff within the organisation.
• the right to practice law in England and Wales.
• the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders, including government departments, regulators and commercial partners.
• the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with those who understand the law and those who do not.
• proven analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrating your ability to assess and understand complex legal issues and provide strategic advice.
• Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, high profile environment.
• Qualified to practice as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, with good (8+ years) post qualification experience.
• Experience in complex commercial arrangements/contracts, including disputes arising from such.
• Experience of working on major projects, public sector reform or large scale commercial arrangements.
• Experience of advising clients within the rail / transport industry (either public or private sector).
• Experience in data protection and freedom of information legislation.
• Competition law knowledge (highly desirable).

Benefits

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.