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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic legal team, advising on complex cases and shaping strategic decisions.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the rail industry while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Extensive legal experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 74000 - 86000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department: GC LS Legal Services (638200)
About Network Rail
At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. To join us, you’re not just part of a team - you’re part of something that matters to millions. 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. We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent
- Location: The Quadrant: MK or London Waterloo (must live within 90 minutes if based in MK)
- Band & Salary: Band 2C ÂŁ85,395 - ÂŁ101,323
Brief Description
The role is a rare and exciting senior leadership position in Network Rail’s National Legal Team. We are looking for someone who is comfortable advising across different legal specialisms and providing strategic, business‑focused legal advice. You will enjoy a varied caseload across different customers while also leading the Legal Counsels in your team and providing support to the General Counsel in setting the team’s strategic direction.
About the Role
You will take on a pivotal role in managing the varied legal work undertaken by the National Legal Team. The team supports Network Rail’s national functions such as Technical Authority, Route Services, Finance, HR for national functions, Procurement and supporting regional colleagues on matters that affect Network Rail’s business as a whole. The team is small for the scale of advice it delivers to its customers 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.
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. Imagine leading on major litigation cases, steering procurement strategies, advising on safety‑critical matters and shaping commercial contracts that keep Britain moving. 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. 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 significant.
Head of Legal (National) in Milton Keynes employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal (National) in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network and connect with people in the industry. Attend legal seminars, workshops, or networking events to meet potential colleagues and leaders. This can help us get our foot in the door and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Network Rail’s values and recent projects. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their mission of keeping passengers and freight moving safely. Tailoring our responses to reflect their goals can really make us stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills during the interview process. As a Head of Legal, we need to demonstrate our ability to mentor and inspire a team. Sharing examples of how we've successfully led teams or projects can highlight our fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Network Rail team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal (National) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Head of Legal role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific legal specialisms you have, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Network Rail. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to provide strategic, business-focused legal advice. Share examples of how you've influenced decisions or led teams in complex legal matters, as this is key for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas relevant to Network Rail, such as procurement, litigation, and safety regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the law, but that you understand how it applies to the rail industry.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Legal, you'll be leading a team of Legal Counsels. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, mentored junior lawyers, or influenced strategic decisions. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and guide others.
✨Understand the Business
Network Rail is all about keeping things moving smoothly. Familiarise yourself with their operations and challenges. Showing that you understand their business model and can provide strategic, business-focused legal advice will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team's current projects, the challenges they face, or how they measure success. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
