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 (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.
At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that 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. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

Essential:

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with a current practicing certificate
• 4 – 6 years PQE with relevant in-house experience or experience of working extremely closely with an in-house legal team
• Proven ability to deliver pragmatic legal advice, concisely and in plain English
• Strong negotiator with excellent drafting and analytical skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented problem solver and independent thinker with a hands-on, execution-driven mindset
• Collaborative and trustworthy team player
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Desirable:

• Experience in commercial, government procurement and construction contracts is preferred
• Infrastructure or public sector experience is a plus, but not essential
• Experience mentoring or coaching junior lawyers is desirable.

(We would welcome your application, even if you don’t tick every box right now.)

ROLE SUMMARY:

This role will act as a key legal advisor on a wide range of legal and compliance matters, collaborating closely with the Head of Legal to deliver commercially sound and legally robust solutions. This is a strategic and hands-on role, helping to shape legal strategy and support operational delivery. Ongoing professional development is actively supported, with opportunities to shape your career path in line with your ambitions.
It’s an exciting time to join our Legal Team, as there’s a real opportunity for someone who brings the right energy, to shape this role as well as the wider team’s ways of working. We’re looking for an approachable, collaborative team player who’s keen to have an impact and to manage a varied workload with a high degree of autonomy.
Function: | The legal function sits within the Corporate Office and works across the business to help deliver East West Railway Company’s strategic priorities. The team supports the Executive and Board and ensures legal and regulatory integrity across all business activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead legal workstreams for commercial matters, including developing strong working relationships and procedures as well as negotiating and drafting procurement contracts based on a variety of terms (including NEC4 and government frameworks).
• Lead negotiations with funders and other stakeholders, managing external counsel as needed.
• Lead the management of governance and compliance obligations, including data protection and various internal policies, procedures and training.
• Advise on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the business to provide clear, timely, integrated and pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of matters.
• Support with the management of disputes and litigation, as well as external advisors to ensure quality and cost-effective service delivery.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal templates, playbooks, and guidance materials.
• Work closely with other legal team members to ensure alignment across all legal functions and supporting the mentoring and development of junior legal colleagues.
• Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.