Head of Legal – Merseyrail
Location: Liverpool, Rail House Contract Type: Permanent Hours: 35 hours per week Application Deadline: 24 November 2025
Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for a hands‑on Head of Legal to join our team in Liverpool, reporting directly to the Finance Director. This key role is responsible for providing practical legal support across Merseyrail, including advice on commercial contracts, regulatory requirements, compliance, and prosecutions.
Responsibilities
* Act as Merseyrail’s in‑house legal lead, delivering day‑to‑day legal advice across the organisation.
* Lead and manage prosecutions, working closely with internal colleagues and external legal partners, ensuring cases are handled efficiently and in line with statutory obligations.
* Draft, negotiate and review commercial contracts, leases, procurement and supplier agreements.
* Provide clear and solution‑focused legal advice to operational teams, senior leadership and the Executive.
* Oversee compliance activities, including statutory obligations, concession agreements and regulatory frameworks.
* Support business change, projects and operational decision‑making with pragmatic, risk‑based legal guidance.
* Develop the legal function over time, ensuring Merseyrail has the right processes, systems and documentation in place.
Qualifications
* A qualified Solicitor with at least 5 years PQE, ideally gained in‑house in a regulated, transport, infrastructure, public sector or similar operational environment.
* Strong experience running or supporting prosecutions, enforcement or regulatory compliance cases.
* Strong knowledge of commercial and corporate law, contract management and compliance frameworks.
* Ability to balance strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery of complex legal work.
* A collaborative and proactive approach with strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Demonstrated ability to influence at senior level, providing pragmatic, risk‑based advice.
Benefits
* Annual bonus scheme
* Final salary pension scheme
* Free staff travel on our network – unlimited free travel on Transport UK train operators and Northern
* Discounted national rail travel – 75% discount on other train services across the UK, expanding to Europe after one year of service
* Family rail travel – your partner and dependents can also benefit from rail travel passes
* Health Shield membership – access discounted health and holistic care services
* Access to GP Anytime – speak face‑to‑face with a qualified GP whenever you need to
* Hapi benefits portal – enjoy savings on shopping, lifestyle and holidays
* Wedding celebrations – take an extra day off if you get married on a working day
* Employee achievement and long service awards
* Involvement in major city events – play a key role in keeping our city moving during major events, working together as one team
Equal Opportunity
Merseyrail particularly welcomes applications from Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds as they are currently underrepresented. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.
Additional Information
Merseyrail reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications. Incomplete applications may not be progressed.
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