General Counsel (National)

Every day will be different, but you can expect to be involved in the following activities:

1. Develop the role purpose and vision strategy of the National Legal Team with the Group General Counsel, including the provision leadership and support to legal colleagues across the legal community so that there are collaborative working practices across the organisation.

2. Provide high quality, timely, pragmatic senior level legal advice to the business through the National Legal Team, having primary responsibility for complex and/or high value legal matters that fall within the remit of the National Legal Team, to mitigate corporate risks and reputational damage.

3. Direct and lead the strategic direction of the National Legal Team, working with the General Group Counsel to establish the structure and allocating legal responsibility to be able to empower and develop the team.

4. Lead the interface with the Company’s key panel law firms and wider legal services supply chain as appropriate with the Group General Counsel and other members of the Legal leadership team, to supervise the instruction and use of suitable external legal service advisors with regard to the efficiency and necessity of use, quality, cost efficiency and suitability for purpose.

5. Manage all the legal advice provided by the National Legal Team so as to be business –focused, accurate and appropriate, allowing the company to reduce its risk of exposure and achieve its objectives, including when required, the provision of advice to Board members and members of the Executive Leadership Team

6. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key external stakeholders, including the Department for Transport, HM Treasury, the ORR, and DOHL, enabling effective networkwide industry planning in order to facilitate whole industry transformation and meet control period commitments, influencing to manage expectations and, wherever practicable appropriate solutions

7. Oversee all notable court proceedings across the business so that the corporate risks are appropriately managed

8. Support (and lead wherever appropriate) the promotion of changes to the legislative framework within which Network Rail operates

9. Be the professional head for Network Rail’s Solicitors and sponsor the professional development and compliance requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant post-qualification experience, preferably gained all or mostly in house


• Strong experience in delivering corporate and legal strategic objectives


• Previous relevant experience gained across a number of legal areas whether commercial, corporate, competition, litigation, property or otherwise – but must be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge and practical understanding of health & safety law.


• Take ultimate responsibility for all legal matters managed by the National legal team, acting as a trusted adviser, and provide assurance on the same to the Group General Counsel.


• Ability to identify and minimise corporate legal risk and influence at senior management level


• Track record of building strong relationships, demonstrating cooperative and collaborative working practices with business clients and legal colleagues.


• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.


• Strong commercially awareness with the legal industry


• Significant proven experience of problem solving and using analytical skills to provide legal solutions


• A demonstrable ability to work well under pressure with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands


• Able to inspire confidence and credibility at all levels of the company.


• Basic financial/accounts understanding, Qualified solicitor or barrister with relevant post-qualification experience, preferably gained all or mostly in house


• Strong experience in delivering corporate and legal strategic objectives


• Previous relevant experience gained across a number of legal areas whether commercial, corporate, competition, litigation, property or otherwise – but must be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge and practical understanding of health & safety law.


• Take ultimate responsibility for all legal matters managed by the National legal team, acting as a trusted adviser, and provide assurance on the same to the Group General Counsel.


• Ability to identify and minimise corporate legal risk and influence at senior management level


• Track record of building strong relationships, demonstrating cooperative and collaborative working practices with business clients and legal colleagues.


• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.


• Strong commercially awareness with the legal industry


• Significant proven experience of problem solving and using analytical skills to provide legal solutions


• A demonstrable ability to work well under pressure with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands


• Able to inspire confidence and credibility at all levels of the company.


• Basic financial/accounts understanding


Desirable Criteria

· Knowledge of/experience in the UK railway industry.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About the function…

The National Legal team is a key part of Legal & Corporate Services. Its purpose and mission is to provide the national business with commercially focussed, cost effective and innovative legal solutions.

At the heart of the legal team’s role is the mitigation of legal risk to a commercially acceptable level whilst ensuring that the business continues to operate within its legislative framework and in accordance with the terms of its Licence.

The National Legal team provides strategic advice to the company at national level whilst also leading on the provision of legal support to all the central functions of the business.

Band & Salary: 1C £116,753- £ 138,991 (Subject to experience)

Closing date: tbc On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.