Job Description

At Network Rail, we\'re part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain and operate our network.

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We\'re an organisation where people matter. When you\'re part of our team, you matter to us and you matter to millions.

The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we\'re empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About our people and the recruitment process - We\'re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

As a Network Rail employee, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits!

\xc2\xb7 Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

\xc2\xb7 A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

\xc2\xb7 GWR ticket alliance - Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 5 friends and family to use across the GWR network (20 passes per year)

\xc2\xb7 Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

\xc2\xb7 A range of Pension schemes to choose from

\xc2\xb7 Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working, and enhanced family friendly support.

\xc2\xb7 5 days paid volunteering leave.

\xc2\xb7 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.

\xc2\xb7 In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.

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We want to help deliver a railway which is safe, reliable, affordable and that provides great customer service to everyone.

Brief Description

Provide high quality legal advice to a region or regions within the business as varied from time to time, having regard to the need for appropriate management of corporate legal risk and delivery of legal services to the Company, especially but not exclusively in the areas of commercial, procurement, environmental law and dispute resolution. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other members of Legal.

Location Bristol/Hybrid working.

About the role (External)

Your Main Responsibilities will be to:

1. Assisting and working alongside either the Head of Legal (Regions) or General Counsel (Regions) on complex and/or high value legal matters, whether complex alliance arrangements, joint ventures, purchasing contracts, corporate reorganisations, acquisitions/disposals, material litigation etc. Responsible for delivery of legal advice that is business -focused, accurate and appropriate so allowing the company to reduce its risk of exposure and achieve its commercial and business objectives.

2. Drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements whether in respect of such complex and/or high value legal matters (in which case with supervision) or in support of more day to day business; or advising the business on resolution of day to day disputes whether regulatory, criminal or commercial in nature and assisting the Head of Legal (Regions) in resolution of more material disputes.

3. Assisting the Head of Legal (Regions) on the development of appropriate company policies, processes and/or training for the areas covered by the Regions legal team.

4. Participation in various ad hoc multi-function project teams advising on legal aspects and problem solving in order to achieve commercial objectives.

5. Instruct and supervise external lawyers to support their areas of responsibility when required.

6. Providing regular information and reports of work in progress to the Head of Legal (Regions) or General Counsel (Regions) as required.

You will ideally have

\xc2\xb7 Qualified solicitor or barrister with previous experience.

\xc2\xb7 Legal background to be gained across a number of legal areas whether commercial, corporate, competition, litigation, property or otherwise - but must have substantial commercial or litigation experience.

\xc2\xb7 Ability to identify and minimise corporate legal risk

\xc2\xb7 Strong communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing.

\xc2\xb7 Proactive and Commercially minded

\xc2\xb7 Creative problem solver with can do attitude

\xc2\xb7 Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and handle competing demands.

\xc2\xb7 Basic financial/accounts understanding

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Let us decide.

#LI-EH1

How to apply (External)

\xc2\xa355,596 to \xc2\xa362,546 per annum.

Closing date: 4th September 2023.

Please get your application in as soon as possible, we may close the advert before the listed closing date if we receive enough applications. Late applications will not be accepted.

Click \'apply now\' to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We\'re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we\'re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

We are working in conjunction with the Cultural Fusion team. If you would like support with your application or interview please contact or visit the connect page: . For all other support please contact your HR Business Partner.

Network Rail is a and we\'ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you\'re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard has changed. All prospective candidates will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5-year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should demonstrate your personal dedication to safety on your application.

Network Rail