Legal Counsel

Stagecoach Group; Stockport; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport company in Stockport is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their in-house legal team. The role involves drafting contracts, advising on legal matters, and supporting business development. Candidates should have 2-4 PQE in commercial law and strong negotiation skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a flexible hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Flexible working model

Qualifications

• Strong experience in general commercial law with 2-4 PQE.
• In-house experience preferred, but private practice candidates considered.
• Knowledge of IP and technology is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts with public bodies.
• Advising on data protection, consumer rights, and competition law.
• Managing legal aspects of disputes and advising on acquisitions.

Skills

Excellent drafting and negotiation skills

Strong commercial awareness

Great communication skills

Solid organizational skills

Education

Strong academic background and solid legal training

Job description

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 progress
• Helping us deliver our Net Zero goals through key public initiatives and funding agreements
• 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 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.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Stagecoach Shared Service Centre, One Exchange, 20 Railway Road, Stockport SK1 3SW

Salary:

Competitive salary, with bonus & pension