At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support and strategic direction to multiple train operators.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail services in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal roles with strong analytical and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, WM Trains and GTR. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
About the Legal & Compliance Directorate
The Legal and Compliance Directorate play 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.
About the role
To assist the Regional General Counsel (TOCs) with providing legal support, oversight and strategic direction to multiple DFTO TOCs (“TOC Group”) to ensure the efficient, timely and risk mitigated provision of quality and commercially focused legal advice. The role holder will play a critical supporting role in safeguarding the reputation of the TOCs within the TOC Group and will provide assistance to facilitate compliance by the companies with all relevant legislation. The Senior Legal Counsel will report to the General Counsel for the TOC Group, and will assist with the management and supervision of the Legal Counsel and other developing members of the TOC Group legal team.
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.
Who will we be looking for?
- Demonstrable experience of rail related legal and regulatory requirements (this is a desirable skill NOT a core competency as we welcome CVs from Non-rail based candidates)
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex legal and commercial documents
- Credible role modeller and ambassador of the DFTO culture/brand
- Consistently delivers on time and accurately
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Dynamic can do attitude with the ability to find creative legal solutions and seek alternative options in challenging environments
- Track record of building strong relationships with the ability to engage, inspire and influence stakeholders
- Sound judgement, strong commercial acumen, resilience, and a balanced attitude to risk
- Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal risks to protect companies from potential legal issues
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 role will be hybrid based out of our Birmingham office.
- Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 depending on experience.
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
Additional Information…
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.
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.
Contact: If you have any questions or require any reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CVs to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Senior Legal Counsel - Birmingham employer: DfT Operator
At DFTO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, our Birmingham office provides a dynamic environment where you can thrive while contributing to the future of public rail services in the UK. Join us to be part of a transformative journey in the rail industry, where your legal expertise will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transport for millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DFTO on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching DFTO's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you're not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the future of rail services in the UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common legal interview questions. We want to see how you think on your feet, so consider using the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the DFTO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in rail-related legal matters, and showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining DFTO and how your background aligns with our mission. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've found creative legal solutions. We’re looking for dynamic individuals who can navigate challenges with ease, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, if you have any questions, our recruitment team is just a click away!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on rail-related legal and regulatory requirements. Even if it's not a core competency, having a solid understanding will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've interpreted complex legal documents in the past. Think of specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference, as this will demonstrate your ability to deliver quality legal advice.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your experience working both independently and as part of a team. DFTO values collaboration, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully engaged and influenced stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Come prepared with examples of how you've identified and mitigated legal risks in previous roles. This will showcase your sound judgement and resilience, which are crucial for safeguarding the reputation of the TOCs.
