Company Solicitor - Doxford, SR3 3XP

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering approximately 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with our new shareholder I Squared Capital, who acquired Arriva in May 2024.

At the heart of Arriva is an ambition to make passenger transport the best choice as we look to connect people within our local communities to all the things that are important to them safely, reliably, and sustainably.

Were looking for a skilled and commercially minded legal professional to join us as Company Solicitor on a 9-month fixed-term contract . Operating at the heart of the Corporate Centre, this pivotal role provides expert corporate and commercial legal advice, alongside company secretarial support, to our Executive Committee, Group Boards, and Shareholder.

Youll play a key role in managing legal and contractual risks across the business, ensuring governance is upheld and decisions are informed by sound legal guidance. If you're confident advising senior stakeholders and can balance strategic input with hands-on delivery, wed like to hear from you.

The role will be based in our Doxford office, operating on a full-time basis Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with one hour lunch per day.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Providing corporate and commercial legal advice to the Corporate Centre, Executive Committee, Boards, and UK specialist functions
• Supporting strategic legal projects, including entity reorganisations, group restructurings, and tax planning
• Delivering company secretarial and governance support to key legal entities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Advising on shareholder matters, including delegation frameworks and internal governance requirements
• Supporting the implementation of legislative changes (e.g. Companies Act, ECCTA) and ensuring corporate documentation aligns with requirements
• Advising on treasury and tax matters, including facility agreements, intra-group funding, and related collateral arrangements
• Managing contractual risk, advising on commercial matters, and escalating issues appropriately
• Representing the Corporate Centre in senior legal discussions and supporting key stakeholder relationships
• Leading on the protection and strategy for Arrivas intellectual property assets
• Overseeing legal and governance policies owned by the General Counsel
• Supporting the Company Secretariat team with legal advice, constitutional documentation, and statutory filings

What wed like from you!

Were looking for a qualified solicitor (LLB or EU equivalent) with a strong grounding in corporate law and commercial contracts. Youll bring sound judgement, a commercial mindset, and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders on complex legal matters.

Key skills and experience include:

• A track record of delivering practical, business-focused legal advice while balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes
• Working knowledge of key regulatory frameworks, including UK GDPR, Competition Law, and Anti-Bribery legislation
• A clear understanding of good corporate governance and its role in effective decision-making
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships across jurisdictions and at senior levels
• Experience working within complex, matrixed environments and managing competing priorities
• Excellent communication, analytical, and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex legal information clearly
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with a willingness to support wider team projects and develop a strong understanding of the business and public transport sector
• Confidence managing external legal advisers and acting as a key interface with internal commercial teams

What we can offer you in addition to a competitive base salary:

• Company car or car cash allowance
• Discretionary bonus scheme, dependent upon company performance and personal performance
• True hybrid working a minimum of 3 days per week in the office, the rest focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance
• A generous pension plan
• Life Assurance equal to 2 x your annual salary, plus access to one of the UKs largest networks of medical professionals
• 25 days holidays and statutory bank holidays per year, with the opportunity to purchase holiday. Please note the window for 2024 holiday purchase is now closed and therefore the ability to purchase will commence for holiday year 2025
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Access to discounts and cash back through The Village our Online Reward Gateway
• Eyecare vouchers
• The opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum a community of people leading activity and initiatives to enhance Wellbeing, Career Development and Communications within our community in the Corporate Centre
• The opportunity to join a Global Arriva Inclusion Network (GAIN) group- a community of people who are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion
• Free Arriva bus travel for you and immediate family outside of London T&Cs apply
• And a truly wonderful team to be joining!

The closing date for applications is Monday 18th August 2025. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.