Senior Legal Counsel - National

About DFT Operator

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. 

DFTO has over 24,000 employees, runs over 6,500 services a day and delivers over 500 million customer journeys across its networks every year. This accounts for 28% of total UK passenger journeys and 32% of passenger miles.

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively, we aim to become industry-leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.

About the Legal & Compliance Directorate

The Legal and Compliance Directorate play a pivotal role providing legal support, oversight and strategic direction across multiple DFTO TOCs (“TOC Group”) to ensure the efficient, timely and risk mitigated provision of quality and commercially focused legal advice.

The Team will play a critical supporting role in safeguarding the reputation of the TOCs within the TOC Group and will provide assistance to ensure that the companies strictly follow all relevant legislation. The Legal Counsels and Senior Legal Counsels will report to the General Counsel for the TOG Group and will assist with the management and supervision of junior members of the TOC Group legal team.

About the role

To assist the Regional General Counsel (TOCs) with providing legal support, oversight and strategic direction to multiple DFTO TOCs (“TOC Group”) to ensure the efficient, timely and risk mitigated provision of quality and commercially focused legal advice. The role holder will play a critical supporting role in safeguarding the reputation of the TOCs within the TOC Group and will provide assistance to facilitate compliance by the companies with all relevant legislation.  

The Senior Legal Counsel will report to the General Counsel for the TOC Group, and will assist with the management and supervision of the Legal Counsel and other developing members of the TOC Group legal team. 

A TOC Group will, ultimately, consist of multiple DFTO TOCs, but in the early stages of the transition programme, a SLC may only have responsibility for one TOC.  The composition of each TOC Group may change over time, and on more than one occasion, as the DFTO Group grows in size and to reflect wider business decisions in relation to the structure of the Group.

Who will we be looking for?

The core competencies for the team will include:

• Demonstrable experience of rail related legal and regulatory requirements (This is a desirable experience NOT a core skill, we welcome CV's from non-rail)
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex legal and commercial documents
• Credible role modeller and ambassador of the DFTO culture/brand
• Consistently delivers on time and accurately
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Dynamic can do attitude with the ability to find creative legal solutions and seek alternative options in challenging environments
• Track record of building strong relationships with the ability to engage, inspire and influence stakeholders
• Sound judgement, strong commercial acumen, resilience, and a balanced attitude to risk
• Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal risks to protect companies from potential legal issues

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent 

Location: Flexible across England.

Salary: Up to £85,000 depending on experience.

Benefits:

Hybrid Working Arrangements: As this role can be based anywhere across our Network, we are open to considering candidates Nationwide with office working based on a needs basis, dependant on client portfolio demands. 

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days).

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.

Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.

Closing date for applications is Friday 31st October 2025.

PLEASE NOTE:  This opportunity is available on either a Permanent basis or as an Industry secondment. Should anyone be applying for a secondment please ensure you notify your line manager prior to applying for the opportunity.

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Equity Statement

At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We believe that diversity enriches our team and contributes to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We strive to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively promote practices that ensure fairness, eliminate biases, and support the growth and development of all employees. Join us in our mission to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and fosters a culture of equity and inclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.