Legal Counsel - Operations

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe.  The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.

The main purpose of the role is to deliver legal advice for operational, contentious and regulatory matters across the UK and where applicable, Mainland Europe, as part of the Legal Operational Team.

Direct responsibilities:

Legal guidance and support for a variety of commercial matters in the UK and Mainland Europe (when in scope), including reviewing and providing legal risk analysis in respect of commercial contracts and legal documentation, and liaising with commercial, procurement and other internal teams. This may include:

• Supporting Arriva’s operational businesses in the UK in areas such as purchasing of goods/spare parts and purchasing of services including IT and digital, facilities management and associated services;
• legal guidance and support on material business critical projects either independently or working with other team members, for example on ZEV and electrification projects, infrastructure projects such as depot upgrades, construction services and mobilization/demobilisation of businesses;
• supporting Arriva’s commercial businesses who provide services in the market with sub-contracting and operational bids for new work (including supporting on public tenders);
• legal guidance and support for contentious matters, claims, disputes and litigation, and regulatory matters with the ability to manage external lawyers;
• conduct legal research and analysis to ensure business compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and
• ensure management of operational legal matters in accordance with Arriva’s governance requirements.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Good experience practicing commercial law with a strong understanding of contracting and the ability to work across multiple types of commercial contracts.
• Construction law, public procurement and/or contentious matter experience is desirable but not a prerequisite.
• Ability to work effectively within a complex matrix organisation and build strong working relationships with teams across multiple businesses.
• A good track record of delivering commercially sound advice to businesses.
• The ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work in a fast-paced environment.
• An active advocate of good corporate governance.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Good team player and a “can do” attitude

Qualifications:

Qualified to practice law in England and Wales with post qualification experience of at least 3 years.

This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do so by their manager.  Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 12th February 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.