Job Description

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.
Not your average role....
As we continue to evolve and grow, we are looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to provide the specialist legal, commercial and procurement knowledge and expertise to help us to keep Scotland moving, with a particular focus on the key procurements to replace our train fleet.
To be successful, you'll have extensive experience drafting, negotiating, and advising on complex and high value contracts, complemented with a sound understanding of public procurement law. An exceptional communicator, you'll be highly motivated with an ability to consistently deliver to tight deadlines, as well as having a mind-set to adapt and create key changes to constantly improve performance. Finally, you'll be tenacious, organised and have a strong understanding and interest in ScotRail's business and customers.
As part of a small, friendly team, you'll be trusted to manage a wide and varied workload with minimum supervision but with full support from the Head of Legal. The goal is to ensure ScotRail remains legally compliant and manages risk effectively whilst providing excellent value for money.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide timely and high-quality legal advice to colleagues on a wide range of issues, primarily relating to procurement of our new trains.
• Lead the negotiation and drafting of a wide range of commercial agreements.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to support business objectives while safeguarding legal interests.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, advising on legal implications of business initiatives and changes in legislation.
• Provide risk-based advice in a timely manner to senior colleagues, drawing on a deep understanding of commercial, legislative and policy issues, and provide pragmatic advice and solutions to mitigate risk.
• Lead in managing relationships with legal panel firms, and where work is outsourced, ensure the provision of high quality and cost-effective legal advice.
• Assist the Head of Legal in ensuring that ScotRail has the highest levels of quality legal advice to support delivery of its corporate strategy and business plan.
• Assist in developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to enhance legal compliance and operational efficiency.
• Conduct training sessions for employees on legal issues related to commercial transactions and compliance matters.
• Manage, with minimal supervision, your own caseload and work collaboratively with others on larger matters.

What you bring
Essential

• Scottish qualified solicitor with 3+ years post qualification experience and a current practising certificate.
• A skilled communicator with a knack for knowing your audience and an ability to get your message across without getting bogged down in legalese.
• Proven track record of being able to successfully influence in challenging situations.
• Highly articulate and analytical.
• Experience of drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement.
• Experience in conflict management, prioritisation, and stakeholder management.

Desirable

• Experience of placing contracts in accordance with the Utilities Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2016.
• Experience providing advice in the rail sector, the public sector or another regulated industry.
• Track record of collaboration through relationship building and networking with a wide variety of stakeholders and customers.

Please note - ScotRail offers a hybrid working model which is typically 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.
What we offer you
ScotRail offer an excellent rewards package including:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
• Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary.
• Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.

Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.
All offers of employment are subject to candidates passing our pre-employment checks including medical, criminal record, right to work and references.
Equal Opportunities
ScotRail is four times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Closing Date
Wednesday 3 December 2025

Skills Required