Commercial Legal Counsel

  • Location
    Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
  • Contract Type
    Permanent
  • Posted
  • Start Date
    2026-04-09
  • Industry
    Transport
  • Expiry Date
    2026-03-20

🌟 Hiring: Legal Counsel – Operations 🌟
📍 UK-based | Corporate Services | Permanent Role

A leading European passenger transport organisation is seeking a Legal Counsel – Operations to join its Corporate Services division. This is a fantastic opportunity to support a complex, multi‑country business that connects millions of people every year across a range of transport modes.

Working as part of the Operational Legal Team, you’ll provide high‑quality legal advice on operational, commercial, contentious and regulatory matters across the UK, and occasionally Mainland Europe.

🔎 Key Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll provide legal support across a broad range of matters, including:

  • Advising on commercial matters and contracts across multiple operational business areas.
  • Supporting procurement activity (goods, spare parts, IT/digital services, facilities management).
  • Advising on business‑critical projects, such as:
    • Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and electrification initiatives
    • Infrastructure and depot upgrade projects
    • Construction and mobilisation/demobilisation programmes
  • Supporting commercial teams on subcontracting, operational bids and public tenders.
  • Handling contentious matters, disputes, claims and regulatory issues, including managing external counsel.
  • Conducting legal research to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Ensuring operational legal matters meet corporate governance requirements.

🎓 Skills & Experience

We are looking for someone who brings:

  • Solid experience in commercial law and strong contracting expertise.
  • Desirable (but not essential): construction law, public procurement, and/or contentious matters experience.
  • Proven ability to operate within a complex matrix organisation and build strong cross‑functional relationships.
  • A track record of providing commercially pragmatic advice.
  • Strong stakeholder‑management skills in fast‑paced environments.
  • High levels of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Excellent communication and analytical capabilities.
  • A collaborative mindset and proactive, “can‑do” attitude.

📜 Qualifications

  • Qualified lawyer (England & Wales) with 3+ years PQE.

If you’re a commercially minded legal professional looking to support impactful operational work in a large, dynamic organisation-this could be the ideal next step.

đź’¬ Interested?
Get in touch to learn more or to apply/confidentially discuss the opportunity.


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