Job description
MANAGEMENT

SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL

LOCATION: ATRIUM COURT/HYBRID WORKING:

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.

Our services run the length and breadth of Scotland, from the UK’s most northerly station of Thurso, all the way down to Gretna Green. This generates a wealth of commercial, compliance and regulatory work that keeps our Legal team busy. As we continue to evolve and grow, we are looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to provide the specialist commercial knowledge and expertise to help us to keep Scotland moving.

ScotRail is four times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Over the next few years, we are undertaking an ambitious programme of procurement for strategic and priority contracts which touches almost every area of our business. You will primarily be responsible for providing expert advice to our procurement team and our business areas in placing these contracts. This is anticipated to include: formulation of procurement strategy, drafting and negotiation of the terms of the contract, ensuring compliance with procurement law and relative regulatory issues, navigating governance and compliance procedures, and any ancillary support required in respect to post-contracting matters. The role may also include operational matters and providing expert advice and guidance in a variety of other areas as required, particularly in respect to Data Protection and Freedom of Information requests.

To be successful, you will have extensive experience of drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex and high value contracts and framework agreements, complemented with a sound understanding of procurement law, preferable the Utilities Regulations. An exceptional communicator, you will be highly motivated with the ability to consistently deliver to tight deadlines under pressure, as well as having a mind-set to adapt and create key changes to constantly improve performance. Finally, you will have to be tenacious, organised and have a strong understanding and interest in ScotRail’s business and customers.

As part of a small, friendly Legal team, you will be trusted to manage a wide and varied workload with minimum supervision but with the full support of the Head of Legal. The goal is to ensure that ScotRail remains legally compliant and manages risk across the business effectively whilst providing excellent value for money. It's fair to say that every day is different, every day brings new, complex and interesting challenges all made tangible by the practical outcomes of the work evidenced in the 2,300 intercity, regional and suburban rail services we run every single day.

Key Responsibilities

Provide timely and high-quality legal advice to colleagues on a wide range of issues, both in respect of discrete requests for legal assistance and on larger matters, primarily relating to procurement matters.

Lead the negotiation and drafting of a wide range of commercial agreements across all areas of our business.

Work closely with cross-functional teams to support business objectives while safeguarding legal interests.

Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, advising on legal implications of business initiatives and changes in legislation.

Highlight to senior colleagues, drawing on a deep understanding of commercial, legislative and policy issues, any significant legal risks on a timely basis and proactively develop solutions to manage these.

Lead in managing relationships with legal panel firms, and where work is outsourced, ensure the provision of high quality and cost-effective legal advice.

Assist the Head of Legal in ensuring that ScotRail has the highest levels of quality legal advice to support delivery of its corporate strategy and business plan.

Assist in developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to enhance legal compliance and operational efficiency.

Conduct training sessions for employees on legal issues related to commercial transactions and compliance matters.

Manage, with minimal supervision, your own caseload and work collaboratively with others on larger matters.

Essential

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Scottish qualified solicitor with 5+ years post qualification experience and a current practising certificate.

A skilled communicator with a knack for knowing your audience and an ability to get your message across without getting bogged down in complex legalese when speaking to a non-legal audience.

Proven track record of being able to successfully influence in challenging situations.

Highly articulate and analytical.

Experience of drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.

Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement.

Experience in conflict management, prioritisation, and stakeholder management.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and proven administrative skills.

Desirable

Experience in providing commercial legal advice in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas: construction, data protection, employment, commercial licences/leasing and Freedom of Information.

Experience of placing contracts in accordance with the Utilities Regulations.

Experience providing advice in the rail sector, the public sector or another regulated industry

Track record of collaboration through relationship building and networking with a wide variety of stakeholders and customers.

We understand that some people may avoid applying for a job unless they feel like they meet and exceed every criterion. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, please consider applying anyway. Very few people are able to do every part of a job from Day One and we appreciate that everyone has a learning curve!

For informal information on the Senior Legal Counsel post, please contact Jen Forsyth, Head of Legal, at [email protected] prior to 8 October.

We’ll ensure you’re rewarded for your contribution with a competitive package that includes:
• A salary of £60,000 - £65,000 depending on skills and experience.
• Fantastic Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme and generous life assurance.
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family, where applicable.
• Generous holiday allowance of 37 days (including 12 public holidays).
• Hapi benefits package, offered to everyone at ScotRail.

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance. We are looking for someone full time (35 hours) however we are open minded to applications from people who wish to have flexible working and would welcome discussion on how we can enable you to thrive in your role. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking

Selection process: Assessment and Interview may form the initial stages of the selection process. The final stage for successful candidates will be a medical questionnaire. Appointees must submit at least two satisfactory references, Disclosure Scotland clearance and complete a six-month probation period. Training initially involves attendance on our virtual Induction Training Programme.