Overview
About Network Rail… Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
Location
London, GB
Department
GC LS Legal Services (638200) G4
Vacancy details
* Duration: Permanent
* Location: This role is based in London Waterloo (other locations may be considered). This is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.
* Band & Salary: Band 2C, Salary £85,395 - £101,323 (Plus benefits, including £3,270 London Allowance and £6,000 Car Allowance)
Brief Description
The role is a new and exciting senior leadership position in Network Rail’s National Legal Team. We are looking for someone who is comfortable advising across all areas of employment law and providing strategic, business-focused legal advice for the company today and in support of work to prepare for Great British Railways (GBR). You will enjoy a varied caseload across different customers and providing support to the General Counsel in setting the team’s strategic direction.
About the Role (External)
You will take on a pivotal role in managing the employment legal work undertaken by the National Legal Team. The National team supports Network Rail’s national functions such as Technical Authority, Route Services, Finance, HR for national functions, Procurement and supports regional legal colleagues on matters that affect Network Rail’s business as a whole or in relation to which the National team has specialist knowledge. The National team also works with our strategic partners and stakeholders, such as the Department for Transport and Department for Transport Operator, on legal matters arising from the reform of the rail industry.
The team is small for the scale of advice it delivers and is highly valued for its strategic outlook and business-focused advice. The team is passionate about delivering for passengers and freight operators and working collaboratively across the legal community within Network Rail and our strategic partners.
What does the average day look like?
In this role, you’ll be at the heart of some of the most complex and high-profile legal work in the rail industry. You’ll be the trusted advisor that senior leaders turn to when making critical decisions, influencing policy and guiding the business through challenging legal landscapes both today and as GBR is established. Beyond the technical work, you’ll inspire and mentor a talented team of Legal Counsels, creating a culture of collaboration and excellence. You’ll also play a key role in multi-disciplinary projects, working alongside experts from across the organisation, and ensuring that external legal support is used effectively to deliver outstanding results. Every day will bring new challenges, and your impact will be felt across the business.
Who are we looking for?
* We’re looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with strong post-qualification experience, ideally with some or most gained in-house, who thrives on variety and complexity.
* You’ll bring a broad legal background of employment law experience, and you’ll have the confidence to lead others or the potential to grow into that leadership role.
* Network Rail recognises a number of unions and GBR is expected to be a unionised environment. Experience of working at both a strategic and tactical level in a unionised environment and/or advising on employee relations and industrial relations law is desirable.
* You’ll be able to see the bigger picture, identify and mitigate corporate legal risks while influencing decisions at the highest level, while providing pragmatic legal advice. Exceptional communication skills are a must.
* If you’re proactive, commercially minded, and ready to make a real difference, this is your opportunity to shape the future of Britain’s railways.
How To Apply (External)
Closing date: 13/02/2026. Early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision. If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
Benefits
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
* Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
* Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
* Defined benefit pension scheme.
* 75% subsidy on train tickets.
* Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
* Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
* Plus more….
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