Arriva is one of Europe's leading passenger transport providers, connecting millions of people and communities every day across 11 countries. With a strong heritage, ambitious growth plans and a commitment to sustainability, we're investing in the future of mobility and creating new opportunities across our business.
We're looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Group Legal team on a 12-month fixed-term basis. You'll play a key role in supporting strategic growth initiatives throughout the UK and Europe, working on high-profile matters including major tender opportunities, commercial contracts and corporate acquisitions, while partnering with stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Legal – Growth, you'll provide practical, commercially astute legal support across a diverse portfolio of work. You'll help stakeholders navigate complex legal issues, manage risk effectively and support key business decisions.
The role offers broad exposure across corporate, commercial and procurement-related matters, working closely with senior leaders and legal colleagues throughout the organisation.
This role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in our London (Lacon House) office and flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting corporate transactions, acquisitions and other business development activities.
- Reviewing and advising on tender documentation, concession agreements and associated contracts.
- Assessing legal and commercial risks and recommending practical solutions.
- Providing legal guidance to stakeholders across the business.
- Working closely with teams including Commercial, Finance, Tax and Treasury.
- Managing relationships with external legal advisers.
- Promoting good governance and supporting compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Contributing to wider Group Legal initiatives and projects.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a qualified lawyer who combines strong legal knowledge with commercial awareness and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
You'll bring:
- A law degree and professional legal qualification.
- Experience advising on corporate, commercial and/or M&A matters, gained in private practice or an in-house environment.
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
- The ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
- Commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to legal risk.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A positive, proactive mindset and a strong team ethic.
Experience of procurement or tendering activity would be beneficial but is not essential.
Why Join Arriva?
You'll play a key role in supporting important commercial activity across the business while developing your experience within a collaborative and experienced legal team. This position offers exposure to complex, high-profile work and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution during an exciting period for Arriva.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26 July 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.
Skills Required
- Law degree and professional legal qualification
- Experience advising on corporate, commercial and/or M&A matters (private practice or in-house)
- Experience of procurement or tendering activity
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively
- Commercial judgement and pragmatic approach to legal risk
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Positive, proactive mindset and strong team ethic
- Ability to work hybrid with minimum three days per week in London office
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What We Do
Arriva is a leading passenger transport operator in Europe, delivering approximately 1.5 billion passenger journeys annually. The company operates across 11 European countries, providing a diverse range of services including local buses, inter-urban commuter coaches, and regional and national train services. Arriva is dedicated to connecting people safely, reliably, and sustainably through its extensive public transport network.
