Legal Counsel

Legal Counsel

Stockport Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our legal team to draft contracts and advise on various legal matters.
  • Company: Stagecoach is the UK's leading public transport company, committed to sustainable travel.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while working on diverse projects in an inclusive culture.
  • Qualifications: 2-4 years of post-qualification experience in commercial law is required.
  • Other info: We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer opportunities for growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Please confirm that you are happy to continue on this basis.

locations Stockport Shared Service Centre, United Kingdom

time type Full time

posted on Posted 2 Days Ago

time left to apply End Date: August 15, 2025 (21 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR11098

  • Based in Stockport, with hybrid working
  • Permanent role
  • Competitive salary, with bonus & pension

Play a key role in delivering trusted legal advice across a dynamic and evolving business

Stagecoach is one of the UK’s leading public transport companies, connecting communities through safe, reliable, and more sustainable travel. We operate in a demanding, highly regulated environment and are looking for a Legal Counsel who is commercially minded, confident working independently, and ready to take initiative.

You\’ll be joining a small, busy in-house legal team that supports all areas of the business. We need someone who can balance sound legal judgment with practical, business-focused advice. You’ll be working across a broad range of matters, collaborating with colleagues from different functions at all levels including C-suite, and contributing to key commercial and strategic projects. It’s a varied role that requires a team player who’s also comfortable taking ownership and seeing things through.

What you\’ll be doing

  • Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts with public bodies
  • Advising on areas such as data protection, consumer rights, competition law, advertising, e-commerce, ESG, and public procurement
  • Supporting business development activities, including bids and providing follow up support for contracts in life
  • Helping us deliver our Net Zero goals through key public initiatives and funding agreement
  • Managing legal aspects of disputes, engaging external counsel where appropriate
  • Advising on acquisitions and disposals
  • Collaborating with colleagues across risk, compliance, treasury, insurance, and more
  • Supporting the team with training to the business on legal developments
  • Advising on partnership arrangements

About you

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in general commercial law across a broad range of areas, with demonstrable post-qualification experience (2-4 PQE). The ideal candidate would have in-house experience, although candidates coming directly from private legal practice will also be considered. Any experience or knowledge of IP and technology would be a bonus, as would expertise in bidding and public sector contracts. In addition, you’ll need:

  • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
  • A strong academic background and solid legal training
  • Great communication skills, with the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels with appropriate support
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to think beyond the legal detail
  • Solid organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing deadlines

Why Stagecoach?

We’re more than just buses. We’re passionate about driving change, for the environment, for the people who work with us, and for the communities we serve. At Stagecoach, you’ll find a workplace that’s inclusive, supportive, and full of opportunities to grow. We offer a flexible, hybrid working model and a competitive benefits package, all while giving you the chance to work on meaningful projects that make a real difference.

Ready to hop on board?

If you\’re a motivated legal professional looking for variety, challenge, and the chance to support a business with real purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Stagecoach Shared Service Centre One Exchange, 20 Railway Road Stockport SK1 3SW

Salary

Competitive salary

  • Based in Stockport, with hybrid working
  • Permanent role
  • Competitive salary, with bonus & pension

Play a key role in delivering trusted legal advice across a dynamic and evolving business

Stagecoach is one of the UK’s leading public transport companies, connecting communities through safe, reliable, and more sustainable travel. We operate in a demanding, highly regulated environment and are looking for a Legal Counsel who is commercially minded, confident working independently, and ready to take initiative.

You\’ll be joining a small, busy in-house legal team that supports all areas of the business. We need someone who can balance sound legal judgment with practical, business-focused advice. You’ll be working across a broad range of matters, collaborating with colleagues from different functions at all levels including C-suite, and contributing to key commercial and strategic projects. It’s a varied role that requires a team player who’s also comfortable taking ownership and seeing things through.

What you\’ll be doing

  • Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts with public bodies
  • Advising on areas such as data protection, consumer rights, competition law, advertising, e-commerce, ESG, and public procurement
  • Supporting business development activities, including bids and providing follow up support for contracts in life
  • Helping us deliver our Net Zero goals through key public initiatives and funding agreement
  • Managing legal aspects of disputes, engaging external counsel where appropriate
  • Advising on acquisitions and disposals
  • Collaborating with colleagues across risk, compliance, treasury, insurance, and more
  • Supporting the team with training to the business on legal developments
  • Advising on partnership arrangements

About you

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in general commercial law across a broad range of areas, with demonstrable post-qualification experience (2-4 PQE). The ideal candidate would have in-house experience, although candidates coming directly from private legal practice will also be considered. Any experience or knowledge of IP and technology would be a bonus, as would expertise in bidding and public sector contracts. In addition, you’ll need:

  • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
  • A strong academic background and solid legal training
  • Great communication skills, with the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels with appropriate support
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to think beyond the legal detail
  • Solid organisational skills and the ability to juggle competing deadlines

Why Stagecoach?

We’re more than just buses. We’re passionate about driving change, for the environment, for the people who work with us, and for the communities we serve. At Stagecoach, you’ll find a workplace that’s inclusive, supportive, and full of opportunities to grow. We offer a flexible, hybrid working model and a competitive benefits package, all while giving you the chance to work on meaningful projects that make a real difference.

Ready to hop on board?

If you\’re a motivated legal professional looking for variety, challenge, and the chance to support a business with real purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Stagecoach Shared Service Centre One Exchange, 20 Railway Road Stockport SK1 3SW

Start Your Career With Stagecoach

Welcome to Stagecoach, the UK’s #1 bus company.

Who We Are

Every day we help millions of passengers get to the people and places that matter to them,
connecting the communities we are proud to serve.

About Us

Founded in 1980, Stagecoach has established itself as the UK’s largest transport operator, with services connecting more than 100 major towns and cities in England, Scotland, and Wales. We work with our partners to deliver a greener, smarter, safer, healthier, and fairer country. Providing extensive expertise in commercial and contracted markets, we assist national and regional government to deliver on ambitious plans for their citizens, communities, and local economy. Our team of 26,000 employees are proud to serve our customers and be an integral part of their local communities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Legal Counsel employer: 491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited

Stagecoach is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Stockport, where you can thrive as a Legal Counsel. With a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that contribute to sustainable travel and community well-being. Join a supportive team that values diversity and encourages professional development while making a real impact in the public transport sector.
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Contact Detail:

491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific legal areas mentioned in the job description, such as data protection and public procurement. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Stagecoach or similar companies. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to draft and negotiate contracts effectively. Be ready to discuss how you've balanced legal judgment with practical business advice in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your commercial awareness by staying updated on current trends in the transport sector and relevant legal developments. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to Stagecoach's goals during the interview process.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel

Excellent Drafting Skills
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Awareness
Knowledge of General Commercial Law
Experience in Data Protection Law
Understanding of Consumer Rights
Familiarity with Competition Law
Expertise in Advertising and E-commerce Law
Knowledge of ESG Regulations
Experience in Public Procurement
Ability to Manage Legal Disputes
Collaboration Skills
Strong Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Ability to Juggle Competing Deadlines
Post-Qualification Experience (2-4 PQE)
In-house Legal Experience
Understanding of IP and Technology Law
Experience with Bidding and Public Sector Contracts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in commercial law, particularly any relevant post-qualification experience. Emphasise your skills in drafting and negotiating contracts, as well as your ability to provide practical legal advice.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaboratively, and how you can contribute to Stagecoach's goals, especially regarding their Net Zero initiatives.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on your experience with public bodies, data protection, and any knowledge of IP and technology. Highlight instances where you've successfully managed legal disputes or advised on acquisitions.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as attention to detail is crucial in the legal field. A polished application reflects your professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at 491 Lincolnshire Road Car Company Limited

✨Know Your Legal Stuff

Make sure you're well-versed in general commercial law, especially areas like data protection and competition law. Brush up on recent legal developments that could impact the transport sector, as this will show your commitment and knowledge during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be engaging with stakeholders at all levels, practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated legal advice to non-legal colleagues in the past.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness

Understand Stagecoach's business model and the challenges it faces in the public transport sector. Be ready to discuss how your legal expertise can support their goals, particularly around sustainability and public initiatives.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle disputes or contract negotiations. Think of specific situations where you had to balance legal judgement with practical business needs, and be prepared to share those experiences.

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