Leeds-Based Senior Rail Legal Counsel – Public Sector

DfT Operator; Leeds; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer + 5% A

Job summary

DfT Operator Limited in Leeds seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to support TOCs within the TOC Group, providing strategic legal advice, risk mitigations, and regulatory compliance guidance. The role reports to the General Counsel for the TOC Group and may supervise other legal team members.

You will draft and negotiate major contracts, advise senior management, and collaborate with external counsel to protect the organisation’s interests across the railway sector.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or higher with legal qualification.
• Experience advising on rail regulation and commercial contracts.
• Ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non‑legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and risk management for DFTO TOCs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key commercial contracts.
• Oversee legal counsel and support staff within the TOC Group.
• Collaborate with external counsel and regulators as needed.
• Support governance, compliance, and regulatory initiatives.

Skills

Rail law knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Legal risk management

Analytical reasoning

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Law degree required

Qualified solicitor (England & Wales)

Tools

LexisNexis

Job description

DfT Operator Limited in Leeds seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to support TOCs within the TOC Group, providing strategic legal advice, risk mitigations, and regulatory compliance guidance. The role reports to the General Counsel for the TOC Group and may supervise other legal team members.

You will draft and negotiate major contracts, advise senior management, and collaborate with external counsel to protect the organisation’s interests across the railway sector.