Senor Legal Counsel (Planning) – Major transport hub

Overview

In this role you will lead planning consent strategy for the UK’s most complex infrastructure programmes, guiding DCOs and planning approvals. You will work with the Head of Legal (Planning) to align legal strategy with business priorities and act as a trusted adviser across legal, property and operational functions. You will influence policy, manage external advisers, and oversee multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes. This is a high‑impact, hybrid role with cross‑functional collaboration at the core.

Pay / Benefits

• salary commensurate with role
• car allowance
• bonus beyond market norms
• healthcare

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning consents and approvals strategy for major infrastructure, including DCOs, planning applications, appeals, consultations and statutory processes.
• Represent the organisation in planning and infrastructure policy discussions, influencing local, regional and national decisions.
• Build and manage relationships with government departments, consenting authorities, regulatory bodies and external partners.
• Provide leadership within the legal function, including team development, budget management and delivery of quality outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align legal consenting with business priorities and strategic objectives.
• Serve as the interface between major programmes and legal specialists, ensuring planning considerations are integrated into project development and delivery.

Key requirements

• Qualified Solicitor with significant post‑qualification experience (typically 6+ years).
• Strong track record of leading complex planning and infrastructure consenting through the DCO process.
• In-depth knowledge of Planning Act 2008, the DCO regime, and wider planning framework for major projects.
• Experience representing organisations in external forums with stakeholders, committees, public bodies and industry groups.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship‑management skills; ability to partner across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage external advisers, with excellent communication skills.

• Negotiation
• Influencing
• Relationship management
• DCO experience from pre‑application to post‑consent
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations knowledge
• DCO application documents and examination strategies

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