Legal Counsel (Corporate & Commercial) - 10 month FTC

OverviewLegal Counsel (Corporate & Commercial) - 10 month FTCWe are seeking a commercially minded legal professional to join our client as a Company Solicitor on a 9-10 month fixed-term contract. This role sits at the heart of the Corporate Centre, providing expert corporate and commercial legal advice, alongside company secretarial support, to the Executive Committee, Group Boards, and Shareholders.Key responsibilitiesProviding corporate and commercial legal advice to the Corporate Centre, Executive Committee, Boards, and UK specialist functionsSupporting strategic legal projects, including entity reorganisations, group restructurings, and tax planningDelivering company secretarial and governance support to key legal entities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligationsAdvising on shareholder matters, including delegation frameworks and internal governance requirementsSupporting the implementation of legislative changes (e.g. Companies Act, ECCTA) and ensuring corporate documentation aligns with requirementsAdvising on treasury and tax matters, including facility agreements, intra-group funding, and related collateral arrangementsManaging contractual risk, advising on commercial matters, and escalating issues appropriatelyRepresenting the Corporate Centre in senior legal discussions and supporting key stakeholder relationshipsLeading on the protection and strategy for the group's intellectual property assetsOverseeing legal and governance policies owned by the General CounselSupporting the Company Secretariat team with legal advice, constitutional documentation, and statutory filingsWhat we’re looking forWe’re looking for a qualified solicitor (UK or other jurisdiction) with a strong grounding in corporate law and commercial contracts. You’ll bring sound judgement, a commercial mindset, and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters. Corporate and/or commercial experience in private practice or in-house is required.You may have extensive experience in company, corporate, or commercial matters, or be seeking a development opportunity. The client is open to level of hire and experience, provided relevant corporate/commercial experience is present.Key skills and experienceTrack record of delivering practical, business-focused legal advice while balancing legal risk with commercial outcomesWorking knowledge of regulatory frameworks including UK GDPR, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery legislationUnderstanding of good corporate governance and its role in decision-makingAbility to work cross-functionally and build relationships across jurisdictions and senior levelsExperience in complex, matrixed environments with competing prioritiesExcellent communication, analytical, and influencing skillsCollaborative and proactive approach, with willingness to support wider team projects and understand the public transport sectorConfidence managing external advisers and interfacing with internal commercial teamsWorking arrangementsHybrid - 3 days a week in the office preferred, with flexibility for other arrangements as long as some office presence is achievable weekly.LocationBased in the Sunderland office or London, full-time, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with one hour lunch each day.SalaryHighly dependent on PQE level and experience. Salary banding can be discussed upon application; the quoted banding is a guide.Start dateASAP. Availability at short notice (maximum 1 month notice) is required to progress in the application.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeContractJob functionLegal #J-18808-Ljbffr