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- Tasks: Provide legal support and advice across multiple train operating companies in the UK.
- Company: DFT Operator is a public sector rail group focused on safe and sustainable transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a 10% pension contribution.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of UK rail with a focus on customer service.
- Qualifications: Strong contract drafting skills and a keen interest in UK rail law required.
- Other info: This role is hybrid and open to applicants from the Midlands and North of the UK.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 59000 £ per year.
About DfT Operator
DfT Operator (DFTO) is the public sector rail Owning Group with responsibility for all train operating companies (TOCs) as they transfer into public ownership. It is a publicly owned company established by the Department for Transport in 2018. Our ambition is to deliver safe, secure and sustainable transport to everyone, everywhere. At the heart of this promise is improving journeys and providing customers with an excellent service, while supporting the industry to build a more passenger-focused railway. We currently have four train operators: London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express (TPE), delivering four and a half thousand services a day, and 300 million customer journeys across our network every year. Over the next 3 years, we will complete the transfer of all passenger services operated under contracts with the Department for Transport (DfT). Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.
About the Legal & Compliance Directorate
The Legal and Compliance Directorate plays a pivotal role providing legal support, oversight, and strategic direction across multiple DFTO TOCs (“TOC Group”) to ensure the efficient, timely, and risk-mitigated provision of quality and commercially focused legal advice. The Team will play a critical supporting role in safeguarding the reputation of the TOCs within the TOC Group and will provide assistance to ensure that the companies strictly follow all relevant legislation. The Legal Counsels and Senior Legal Counsels will report to the General Counsel for the TOG Group and will assist with the management and supervision of junior members of the TOC Group legal team.
About the role
The Legal Counsel will support and liaise closely with the General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel to provide legal support and advice across multiple DFTO TOCs (“TOC Group”) within the DFTO Group. The role will provide advice on commercial contracts and a wide range of compliance requirements, including those specific to the public sector. A TOC Group will, ultimately, consist of multiple DFTO TOCs, but in the early stages of the transition programme, a SLC may only have responsibility for one TOC. The composition of each TOC Group may change over time, and on more than one occasion, as the DFTO Group grows in size and to reflect wider business decisions in relation to the structure of the Group.
PLEASE NOTE! This opportunity can be based anywhere in the Midlands or North of the UK. We are recruiting a team which needs to support TOCs on a national basis and consequently are open to applicants from multiple regions of the UK and NOT simply London-based applicants.
Who will we be looking for?
- Competent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced, regulated environment.
- Keen interest in UK rail law and public law requirements.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex legal and commercial documents and explain the same in accessible terms.
- Consistently delivers on time, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and stakeholders and prioritise competing demands.
We have full job descriptions for all planned positions within the directorate and would welcome the opportunity to share the details with any interested parties. Should you wish to learn more about any of the roles, please contact our recruitment team within DFTO. If you apply with an expression of interest, one of the team will reach out to arrange a detailed conversation.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent
- Location: The roles will all be hybrid based, as mentioned above, this opportunity can be based anywhere in the Midlands or North of the UK. We are recruiting a team which needs to support TOCs on a national basis and consequently are open to applicants from multiple regions of the UK and NOT simply London-based applicants.
- Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.
Some of our great benefits:
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Annual Leave 25 days.
- Opportunities to learn across the wider industry.
- 10% pension contribution.
- Plus more….
About our people and the recruitment process
We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work-life balance.
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
Legal Counsel - Midlands and the North of England employer: DfT Operator
Contact Detail:
DfT Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel - Midlands and the North of England
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK rail law and public sector compliance requirements. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the rail industry, especially those involved in legal roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and make connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with contract drafting and negotiation. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal situations in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing scenarios where you've had to analyse complex legal documents. Think about how you communicated these complexities in an accessible way to stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel - Midlands and the North of England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of the Legal Counsel position. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal requirements and challenges faced by public sector rail operators.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and compliance within a regulated environment. Make sure to emphasise your knowledge of UK rail law and public law requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your keen interest in the role and the organisation. Discuss how your skills align with the core competencies mentioned in the job description, such as strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors. Attention to detail is crucial for this role, so take the time to proofread your application before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Legal Counsel position and its responsibilities within the DFTO Group. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal areas you'll be dealing with, such as commercial contracts and public sector compliance.
✨Showcase Your Contract Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of your contract drafting and negotiation experiences. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex legal documents in the past and how you can apply those skills to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of UK Rail Law
Brush up on UK rail law and public law requirements. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the industry will show your keen interest and commitment to the field.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've tackled legal challenges in a fast-paced environment. Emphasise your analytical skills and your ability to communicate complex legal concepts in simple terms.