Join to apply for the Legal Counsel role at East West Railway Company
The East West Rail programme links communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently underserved by transport options, and there is a opportunity to improve prosperity for people and places along the route.
Role overview
This role will act as a key legal advisor on a wide range of legal and compliance matters, collaborating closely with the Head of Legal to deliver commercially sound and legally robust solutions. It is a strategic and hands-on role, helping to shape legal strategy and support operational delivery. Ongoing professional development is actively supported, with opportunities to shape your career path in line with your ambitions.
We are looking for an approachable, collaborative team player who can manage a varied workload with a high degree of autonomy and have an impact on the wider team and ways of working.
Function
The legal function sits within the Corporate Office and works across the business to help deliver East West Railway Company’s strategic priorities. The team supports the Executive and Board and ensures legal and regulatory integrity across all business activities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead legal workstreams for commercial matters, including developing strong working relationships and procedures as well as negotiating and drafting procurement contracts based on terms including NEC4 and government frameworks.
* Lead negotiations with funders and other stakeholders, and manage external counsel as needed.
* Manage governance and compliance obligations, including data protection and internal policies, procedures and training.
* Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with the business to provide clear, timely, integrated and pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of matters.
* Support the management of disputes and litigation, and oversee external advisers to ensure quality and cost-effective service delivery.
* Assist in developing and implementing legal templates, playbooks, and guidance materials.
* Work with other legal team members to ensure alignment across all legal functions and mentor junior legal colleagues.
* Demonstrate a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
* Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practising certificate
* 4 – 6 years PQE with relevant in-house experience or experience of working closely with an in-house legal team
* Proven ability to deliver pragmatic legal advice concisely and in plain English
* Strong negotiator with excellent drafting and analytical skills
* Highly organized, detail-oriented problem solver and independent thinker with a hands-on, execution-driven mindset
* Collaborative and trustworthy team player
* Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
* Experience in commercial, government procurement and construction contracts is preferred
* Infrastructure or public sector experience is a plus, but not essential
* Experience mentoring or coaching junior lawyers is desirable
What we offer
* Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
* 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
* On-the-spot and annual awards
* Advanced learning and development programmes
* Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
* Enhanced family-friendly policies
EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion
To discover the best solutions, we embrace diversity of thought and aim to ensure colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is a core principle and we strive for a workplace where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be themselves.
We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Legal and Project Management
* Industries: Government Administration and Transportation Programs
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at East West Railway Company.
Get notified about new Legal Counsel jobs in Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom.
#J-18808-Ljbffr