KeolisAmey Docklands
Head of Legal & Commercial
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At KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD), we operate and maintain the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), delivering a safe, reliable and high-performing railway for millions of passengers every year. We're looking for an experienced Head of Legal and Commercial to lead our legal and commercial function, providing strategic advice, managing contractual risk and supporting some of the most significant transport projects in London.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial and Strategy Director, you'll lead the Legal and Commercial function, providing expert legal and commercial advice across the business while ensuring compliance with the DLR Franchise Agreement and wider legislative obligations.
You'll be the principal legal adviser to the Executive Team, leading negotiations with Transport for London (TfL), managing contractual relationships, supporting major projects - including the introduction of the DLR's new rolling stock fleet- and driving sound commercial decision-making across the organisation.
You'll also lead a small team, oversee external legal advisers, strengthen corporate governance and help embed commercial awareness throughout the business.
What You'll Do
- Lead KAD's Legal and Commercial function, providing strategic legal and commercial advice across the organisation.
- Act as the primary legal interface with Transport for London (TfL), leading contract negotiations and managing contractual relationships.
- Advise the Executive Team on legal, commercial and contractual risks affecting the franchise.
- Support major strategic projects, including the DLR Rolling Stock Replacement Programme and other high-value commercial initiatives.
- Lead negotiations on contract variations, disputes and complex commercial matters.
- Ensure compliance with the Franchise Agreement, corporate governance requirements and relevant legislation.
- Manage external legal counsel and optimise legal spend.
- Develop legal templates, guidance, playbooks and governance processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
- Deliver legal and commercial training across the organisation to strengthen commercial capability.
- Lead, coach and develop the Legal and Commercial team.
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What You'll Need
Essential
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales) with 5+ years' post qualification experience (PQE).
- Significant experience advising on complex commercial contracts within an in-house or private practice environment.
- Strong knowledge of contract law, commercial negotiations and dispute resolution.
- Experience managing legal and commercial risk within complex contractual environments.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and external partners.
- Experience leading legal support for large-scale commercial projects.
- Strong people leadership and team development experience.
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Desirable
- Experience working within the rail, transport or wider infrastructure sector.
- Knowledge of public sector contracts and public procurement.
- Experience advising on franchise agreements or long-term service contracts.
- Knowledge of data protection, environmental law, health & safety or railway regulation.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and particularly encourage applications from women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ candidates and individuals from other underrepresented groups.
Please note: If you are successful and offered the role, you will be required to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, verification of your home address, employment references covering the last three years, and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 21st July 2026
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