At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our legal team to provide trusted advice and support across various business areas.
- Company: Stagecoach is a leading UK public transport company focused on sustainable travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, pension, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful projects that drive change for communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years post-qualification experience in commercial law; in-house experience preferred.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
- 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.
Legal Counsel employer: Stagecoach Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Stagecoach Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Stagecoach's business model and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you align your legal expertise with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public transport sector or those who have experience in in-house legal roles. Engaging with current employees on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of public procurement and competition law, as these are key areas for the role. Being able to discuss recent developments or case studies in these fields during interviews will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills through examples from your past experiences. Since the role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, having specific instances ready will highlight your capability and confidence in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
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 engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to provide practical legal advice. Show how your background aligns with Stagecoach's values and goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed legal aspects of disputes, advised on public procurement, or collaborated with various business functions. If you have experience in IP and technology, make sure to include that as well.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires great communication skills, consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to engage confidently with colleagues across different levels.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stagecoach Group Limited
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial law, especially in areas like data protection and public procurement. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied this knowledge.
✨Show Your Commercial Awareness
Demonstrate that you understand the business side of legal issues. Think about how your legal advice can impact the company's goals, especially regarding sustainability and public initiatives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal situations, such as drafting contracts or managing disputes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working with various teams, practice how you would communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal colleagues. Show that you can tailor your communication style to different audiences.