Head of Legal

**Head of Legal**

**Arriva UK Bus**

**Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in the North East with some other travel required.**

Arriva is one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing over 40,000 people and delivering 2 billion passenger journeys a year across 13 European countries.

Arriva UK Bus is one of the largest bus operators in the UK serving passengers and local communities in the North East & Yorkshire, North West & Wales, Midlands and Southern Counties, and London.

Simply put, we connect people to what matters most. To friends and families. To our towns, beaches and the countryside. And to schools and places of work.

**Our Values**
- We care passionately.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established legal team as a senior leader within our UK Bus organisation. We are looking to recruit a driven, ambitious lawyer to join our team as Head of Legal reporting to the Finance Director, Arriva UK Bus. The role is also expected to contribute to other aspects of the UK Bus strategy, and to Arriva Group-wide strategy and programmes.

As the Head of Legal, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all legal affairs of the company. You will provide strategic legal advice to senior management and ensure that our operations are conducted in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Your leadership and expertise will be critical in managing risks, negotiating contracts, resolving legal disputes, and safeguarding our organization's interests.

**Responsibilities**:

- Lead, manage and develop the legal department, including a team of 2-3 legal professionals.
- Work in partnership with operating company leaders to manage appropriate legal resource within the UK legal team to assist UK Bus in meeting its targets and key objectives.
- Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to senior management on various business matters.
- Develop, implement, and enforce company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Manage contract negotiations, review and draft legal agreements, and ensure the protection of the company's interests in all contractual relationships.
- Monitor changes in laws and regulations and advise the organization on potential legal implications.
- Represent the company in legal proceedings, including litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Stay abreast of industry best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of legal processes and procedures Collaborate with external legal counsel, as necessary, on complex legal matters.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to support business decisions and mitigate potential risks.
- Develop and deliver legal training programs to ensure compliance awareness across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Qualified solicitor with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience (PQE).
- Proven experience in a legal leadership role, preferably as a Head of Legal or similar position.
- In-depth knowledge of laws, regulations, and legal best practices relevant to our industry/sector.
- Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
- Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract drafting and review.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

We offer a competitive salary range based on qualifications and experience. In addition to the base salary, we provide a performance-based bonus structure and a comprehensive benefits package that includes corporate discounts, pension and free bus travel.

If you are a highly motivated and experienced legal professional looking for an exciting leadership opportunity in a dynamic organization, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and contribute to our success as we continue to make a difference in the bus industry.

Arriva is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.