At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal strategy for Trainline's European growth and navigate complex regulations.
- Company: Join Trainline, Europe's number 1 downloaded rail app, committed to sustainable travel.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, work-from-abroad policy, and generous family-friendly benefits.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel while making a positive impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in EU regulatory matters and commercial negotiations required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About us
We are champions of rail, inspired to build a greener, more sustainable future of travel. Trainline enables millions of travellers to find and book the best value tickets across carriers, fares, and journey options through our highly rated mobile app, website, and B2B partner channels. Great journeys start with Trainline. Now Europe’s number 1 downloaded rail app, with over 135 million monthly visits and £6.3 billion in annual ticket sales, we collaborate with 270+ rail and coach companies in over 40 countries. We want to create a world where travel is as simple, seamless, eco-friendly and affordable as it should be.
Introducing the Trainline Legal Team
At Trainline, our Legal team plays a critical role in enabling growth across Europe by helping the business to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, unlock commercial opportunities, and build trusted relationships with industry partners. As we continue to expand across non-UK markets, Legal works closely with teams across the business to shape strategy, support market entry, and ensure we can move forward with confidence in an evolving regulatory environment.
Role Overview
Reporting into the Deputy General Counsel, this Head of Legal role is a strategic leadership opportunity supporting Trainline’s European growth ambitions on a fixed term basis during a period of maternity leave. Operating at the intersection of regulation, commercial strategy and market expansion, you’ll help shape the business approach across multiple markets, translating complex and evolving frameworks into clear, pragmatic action that supports growth, product development and commercial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Support Trainline’s regulatory and competition strategy across the EU, shaping how the business navigates and influences evolving frameworks to influence commercial strategy and market expansion.
- Use legal and regulatory strategy as an enabler for growth and to accelerate innovative customer and industry propositions.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex commercial contract negotiations, providing pragmatic and solutions-oriented legal guidance on high impact issues to shape commercial outcomes.
- Partner cross‑functionally with commercial, product and government relations teams to execute strategic priorities outside the UK.
- Lead and support a collaborative, high‑performing legal team culture in line with our Team Charter, providing guidance to direct reports while representing Legal as a credible and confident advisor to the business.
- Drive continuous improvement across legal processes, including the adoption of AI and legal technology tools to improve efficiency, scalability, and business partnership.
Qualifications
- Strong experience advising on EU regulatory matters, ideally within complex, fast‑moving, or highly regulated industries.
- Deep understanding of how legal and regulatory developments shape commercial strategy and market positioning.
- A preference for operating in areas of ambiguity, using sound judgment where precedent may be limited.
- A commercially minded approach to legal partnership, with experience balancing legal risk alongside growth, market opportunity, and customer impact.
- Experience supporting sophisticated commercial negotiations and providing business‑facing legal advice to senior stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple functions and communicate effectively at all levels.
- A hands‑on, collaborative approach and a willingness to challenge constructively, support decision‑making, and act as an enabling partner to the business.
Benefits
Enjoy fantastic perks like private healthcare and dental insurance, a generous work‑from‑abroad policy, 2‑for‑1 share purchase plans, an EV scheme to further reduce carbon emissions, extra festive time off and excellent family‑friendly benefits. We prioritise career growth with clear career paths, transparent pay bands, personal learning budgets, and regular learning days. We’re operating a hybrid model and ask that Trainliners work from the office a minimum of 60% of their time over a 12‑week period. We also have a 28‑day work‑from‑abroad policy.
Values
- Think Big – We’re building the future of rail.
- Own It – We focus on every customer, partner and journey.
- Travel Together – We’re one team.
- Do Good – We make a positive impact.
Diversity & Inclusion
We know that having a diverse team makes us better and helps us succeed. And we mean all forms of diversity – gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, nationality and diversity of thought. That’s why we’re committed to creating inclusive places to work, where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.
Further Reading
Interested in finding out more about what it's like to work at Trainline? Why not check us out on LinkedIn, Instagram and Glassdoor!
Head of Legal - 12 month Fixed Term Contract employer: Trainline
Trainline is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions sustainability and innovation in travel. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide clear career paths, personal learning budgets, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every team member feels valued, making Trainline a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal - 12 month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with EU regulations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Trainline’s recent projects and challenges in the legal landscape. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can help navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our mission of building a greener future for travel. We want to hear how you can contribute to our growth and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Trainline team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal - 12 month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Travel:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for travel and sustainability shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission to make travel simple and eco-friendly!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in EU regulatory matters and commercial negotiations. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex landscapes, so be specific about how your background aligns with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex legal concepts. Use simple language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Trainline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trainline
✨Know Your Regulatory Stuff
Make sure you brush up on EU regulatory matters, especially those that impact the rail industry. Be ready to discuss how these regulations can shape commercial strategies and market positioning, as this will show your understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders across various functions, as this is crucial for the Head of Legal position at Trainline.
✨Be Solutions-Oriented
During the interview, focus on your pragmatic approach to legal challenges. Share specific instances where you've provided solutions during complex contract negotiations, demonstrating your ability to balance legal risk with business growth.
✨Embrace Collaboration
Trainline values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've partnered with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Emphasise your collaborative mindset and willingness to challenge constructively, as this aligns with their team culture.
