Head of Legal

A little bit about us: East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company was created by the Department for Transport to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, ensuring the railway comes together in the right way. We’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all, nurturing a diverse team that represents the UK communities we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary: This role will provide legal advice, guidance, direction, and strategic partnership across a variety of legal and compliance matters across the business. The Chief Executive’s Office will work across the organisation to help deliver EWR’s strategic priorities and support the Chief Executive, Executive, and Board. The Chief Executive Officer serves as the public face of the company and is the main interface with our Client, the Department for Transport.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the General Counsel, develop and deliver the legal internal and external strategy.
• Manage our internal and external legal advisers and act as primary gatekeeper of legal services.
• Lead on the delivery of legal team activities including training, governance, good decision making, and processes.
• Provide comprehensive, accurate, timely, and cost-effective legal and regulatory advice and services.
• Review monthly spend, ensuring value maximization and expense minimization.
• Advise on commercial, construction, and infrastructure matters related to procurement contracts.
• Advise on employment law and oversee FOI and data protection matters.
• Advise on regulatory matters, organizational governance, and compliance requirements and the management of disputes and litigation.
• Draft, review or supervise the preparation of legal agreements and contracts.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel, Executive Committee, and colleagues to mitigate legal and commercial project risk.
• Manage and support direct reports, fostering individual growth and operational excellence.
• Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
• Show a commitment to innovation by seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, supporting others to do the same.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience in an in-house environment or closely working with an in-house legal team.
• Experience providing legal advice on commercial and construction contracts.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Outstanding leadership skills.
• Excellent analytical skills, problem solver, and independent thinker.
• Experience resolving and escalating complex risks, issues, and conflicts.
• Excellent communication skills and relationship-building with stakeholders.
• Demonstrable negotiation and persuasive skills.
• Collegiate and collaborative approach.

Education and qualifications: Qualified as a Solicitor of the Courts of England & Wales.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
• 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Perks platform with discounts and freebies
• On-the-spot and annual awards
• Advanced learning and development programmes
• Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Exceptional IT tools

EWR Co embraces a flexible working environment, accommodating the needs and preferences of employees while achieving business objectives. We work to assess and accommodate individual work-life balance and style.

Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity of thought, ensuring colleagues feel included, engaged, and valued. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be themselves. It fuels our innovation and connects us with the communities we serve.

If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, we’d love to hear from you.

About East West Rail

East West Railway Company is a new venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering fast-paced improvement to modernise the railway.