KeolisAmey Docklands
Head of Legal & Commercial
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Head of Legal & Commercial
# Head of Legal and Commercial KeolisAmey Docklands (KAD) | Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
We operate and maintain the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), delivering a safe, reliable, and high-performing railway for millions of passengers annually. We are seeking an experienced Head of Legal and Commercial to lead our legal function, providing strategic legal and commercial support, managing contractual risk, and advising on the DLR Franchise Agreement and regulatory requirements.
About the Role
As Head of Legal and Commercial, you will report to the Commercial and Strategy Director. This highly visible role requires you to lead the legal and commercial function, delivering expert advice, minimising risk, and ensuring compliance with all legislative obligations.
You will act as the principal legal advisor to the Executive Team, driving commercial decision-making, negotiating with Transport for London (TfL), managing contractual relationships, and supporting major projects—including the introduction of the new rolling stock fleet.
Additionally, you will:
- Lead a small legal team
- Support corporate governance improvements
- Embed commercial awareness throughout the DLR franchise organisation
What You’ll Do
Core Responsibilities:
- Deliver strategic legal and commercial advice across the organisation
- Lead all legal-negotiated interactions with TfL, including contract renegotiation and dispute resolution
- Advise the Executive Team on legal, commercial and contractual risks affecting DLR operations
- Support transformational rail projects, including the DLR Rolling Stock Replacement Programme and other high-value commercial initiatives
- Manage contract variations, disputes and complex commercial matters
- Ensure ongoing compliance with the Franchise Agreement, corporate governance and legal frameworks
- Work with and optimise external legal advisors, managing legal spend effectively
- Develop legal templates, guidance, training materials and governance processes to improve efficiency
- Provide legal and commercial training across the business to raise 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)
- Substantial experience advising on complex commercial contracts in an in-house, private practice or corporate setting
- Deep understanding of contract law, commercial negotiation techniques and dispute resolution principles
- Strong track record in identifying, assessing, and mitigating legal/commercial risk in high stakes environments
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, TfL and third-party commercial partners
- Direct experience in legal planning and operational support for major projects in regulated industries
- Demonstrated ability to manage, develop and lead legal teams of similar target size
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Desirable:
- Specific experience in the rail, transport or wider infrastructure sectors (UK preferred)
- Technical knowledge of public sector contracts, procurement law or rail-regulation frameworks
- Expertise in franchise agreements or long-term service contracts
- Familiarity with data protection (GDPR), environmental law, health & safety and railway regulations
About Us
We are passionate about building a comprehensive, inclusive and dynamic team. We encourage applications from women, Black/Latino/Asian applicants, disabled candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, and anyone from underrepresented groups—we want your voice to shape our future.
Terms & Conditions
Closing Date: Sunday, 7th July 2026
Security Clearance & Verification:
As part of finalising a successful hire, we will need to obtain a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including:
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (under Level 2)
- Verification of your residential address
- Three-year employment history from work references
- Confirmation of your right to work in the UK
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