Senior Lawyer / Team Leader

Job Description

As a Senior Lawyer/Team Leader within the Operations Legal Team you will advise on all aspects of legal operational matters, providing advice to the business on legal issues arising from the day-to-day operation of the strategic road network.

This is a diverse role and provides an excellent opportunity to apply your expert legal knowledge and skills to legal matters including managing the statutory instrument making process; advising on traffic regulation, management and signage; advising our Network Claims and Dart Charge teams and our Traffic Officer Service on duties and powers; Highways Act 1980 responsibilities and offences including unauthorised incursions, encroachments and obstructions on the network; litter responsibilities; automated vehicles and abnormal loads; advising the business on counter fraud and anti-money laundering; supporting National Highways staff in giving evidence in court proceedings; advising on resilience and business continuity, including crisis management.

As a Senior Lawyer / Team Leader within Legal Services, you will oversee and lead the work of a team and support the Legal Operations Director, Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel with Directorate management responsibilities.

Please note this position can be based from our Birmingham, Guildford, Bristol or Bedford offices and will include travel to other offices when required. This role will be worked on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

• To lead the delivery of specialist legal advice of a team within Legal Services (Operations) and to lead on complex and strategic matters, advising on all aspects of legal operational matters, as summarised above.
• Advise on organisational reputational risk (relevant to the Operations Team) and maintain an overview of emerging legal risks within the team to assist the Legal Director in managing and mitigating risk
• To manage the relationships with the customers and stakeholders of the Operations Team, managing expectations and the allocation of resources
• To obtain or procure external legal support as required, holding external lawyers to account
• Provide direction, legal support/supervision and line management for a team, ensuring the timely setting of objectives, performance management reviews and development of appropriate succession and development plans

About you.

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister authorised to practise in the UK.
• Demonstrable experience of public law, regulatory law, dispute resolution and litigation, legislative interpretation and drafting, traffic regulation, and operational policy matters.
• Strong analytical skills, with the capacity to provide effective written and oral advice, organise a complex workload, and identify solutions to complex legal and business issues.
• Proven capability to influence and work effectively with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels.
• Experience of contributing effectively and constructively to the management of the relevant division and the Legal Services Directorate, and of leading, managing, and developing team members, fostering high performance, collaboration, and continuous professional development.

Our benefits package

• Our total reward package includes basic salary, the potential for a performance related bonus
• Contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of up to 10%
• Annual Leave starting at 26 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising by 1 day each year up to 31 days (plus Bank Holidays)
• Flexible hours and an approach driven by connected and sustainable working which includes hybrid working
• Life assurance of 4 times annual salary
• Health and wellbeing support, including anEmployee Assistance Programme, available 24/7 365 days and network of mental health first aiders. Plus access to a wellbeing app to enhance your self-care 24/7, Occupational health service and flu vaccines
• A cycle to work scheme for the purchase of a bicycle and equipment for healthy, low carbon travel
• Significant investment in your career development, through learning and development, talent management, coaching, mentoring and on job experience

And we are

• Family friendly with enhanced maternity leave and pay, paternity leave (15 days), shared parental leave, adoption leave. Plus access to financial support for holiday play schemes and paid special leave (up to 5 days pa), eg for caring responsibilities
• Money friendly with access to a discounts platform including over 3000 discounts for supermarkets, eating out, leisure, holidays. Alongside a financial wellbeing programme
• Community friendly - offering paid leave to volunteer, 3 days basic/year