Senior Counsel: High-Value Contracts & Compliance

HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits fund

Pensionable salary

Job summary

HS2 Ltd, the UK’s high-speed rail developer, seeks a qualified solicitor with extensive experience in high-value procurements and contract management. You will provide expert commercial legal support across the design, build and operation of the railway, advise on complex contract terms, and coordinate with external law firms as needed.

You will act as a key liaison for internal stakeholders, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to the development of templates, processes, and EDI

Qualifications

• Extensive commercial contracts/construction contracts knowledge, preferably NEC3 contracting.
• Extensive knowledge of public procurement law (preferably Utilities Contracts Regulations).
• Understanding of in-house legal function role and HS2 project delivery challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality commercial/legal support on design, build and operation of the railway, incl. IP, insurance, FOI and related issues.
• Attend senior-level meetings (e.g., Procurement Steering Group) on behalf of General Counsel.
• Act as main point of contact in the Legal team for internal stakeholders.
• Advise on resolution of contractual claims and disputes (not litigation/arbitration).
• Manage external solicitors when needed, including budget/timescale oversight and quality.
• Be a subject matter expert in UK GDPR, TUPE.
• Support insurance matters and prepare board briefing papers.
• Contribute to process improvements and legal templates/know-how.
• Promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all work.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Teamwork

Prioritisation

Attention to detail

Planning

Job description

HS2 Ltd, the UK’s high-speed rail developer, seeks a qualified solicitor with extensive experience in high-value procurements and contract management. You will provide expert commercial legal support across the design, build and operation of the railway, advise on complex contract terms, and coordinate with external law firms as needed.

You will act as a key liaison for internal stakeholders, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to the development of templates, processes, and EDI