High Speed Two (HS2)

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. Job Purpose The General Counsel leads a team of c.30 professionals to ensure the timely, economic and high-quality delivery of the legal and Company Secretariat functions. The General Counsel is responsible for all legal services provided to HS2 Limited in connection with a very broad range of matters which are part of a very complex, engineering mega-project, with a substantial property acquisition programme. The General Counsel is further responsible for the management of the Company Secretariat function. The role includes responsibility for a substantial annual budget (c £9m). About the Role Governance: Adviser at the HS2 Board and these Board sub-committees: Commercial & Investment Committee and Audit and Risk Assurance Committee; member of Commercial Investment Panel (commercial sub-committee of the HS2 Executive); adviser at Change Panel and Chair of the Conflicts of Interest Panel Member of the CFO Senior Leadership Team and wider HS2 SLT Responsible for delivery of all legal advice in relation to the HS2 project (including commercial contracts, procurement, land and property, the documentation governing the relationship between HS2 and DfT/SoS and any legal disputes arising), covering a very wide range of public and private law legal topics, as well as responsibility for an internal team of 20+ lawyers, supporting the numerous procurements and contracts/agreements required to be put in place to support delivery of the HS2 project Accountable for overall strategy for the selection and performance of external solicitors/barristers and for ensuring value for money in the delivery of a significant external legal budget (£4-6m/yr) Responsible for management of the Company Secretariat function Disputes: responsible for strategic input into HS2 Limited's litigation strategy in respect of disputes, supported by specialists within the legal team and external law firms where appropriate. Seeks to limit HS2 Ltd exposure and ensure there is an exit strategy from litigation where appropriate Development Agreement / Framework Document - responsible for legal advice to Sponsorship team/Exec/Board on DfT relationship, interpretation issues and amendments from time to time Information Asset Owner for the Legal and Company Secretariat functions Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI About You Skills: Communication skills (both written and spoken) - including the ability to draft effective and concise legal briefs and manage stakeholder relationships effectively Business judgment - including the ability to consider legal risk, programme risk and cost risks as decision making factors Ability to distil expert advice of complex legal issues into material that can quickly inform management decision-making Team management skills - including the ability to manage a large team of lawyers - whether within a law firm environment or in-house Supplier Management Skills - including the ability to manage external legal services providers efficiently achieving value for money Knowledge: Qualified solicitor with substantial post-qualification track record in a full spectrum of procurement and contract law Knowledge gained in-house or in private practice and understanding of dealing with government departments, utilities and/or transport undertakers Type of Experience: Experience gained either in-house or in private practice dealing with Government Departments, Executive Agencies and statutory regulators Experience as a Head of Legal or General Counsel, either on secondment or in a permanent role Experience of contract/commercial law, including high value construction or infrastructure projects based in the UK Experienced lawyer in the some of the following legal disciplines: contract, procurement, environmental, public, real estate, EU, regulatory, and Freedom of Information law Experience of managing budgets - including both team costs and external budget We ask for a variety of detail in your online application, however we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert. Watch this video on how we remove bias in the recruitment process: Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered. About Us High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain's major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our 'Safe at Heart' programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. Job Info Job Identification 250422 Job Category Legal Posting Date 06/26/2025, 02:33 PM Apply Before 07/03/2025, 10:59 PM Job Schedule Full time Locations 2 Snowhill, Birmingham, B4 6GA, GB Permanent or Fixed Term Contract Permanent

TheHead of Public Affairs at HS2 will provide strategic leadership for the effective development and delivery of the public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy, supporting the company to achieve its goals through effective engagement both internally across the HS2 Executive and the Department for Transport and externally with political, business and industry stakeholders, maintaining cross-party support, building advocacy and securing majorities for HS2 legislation. Location:This role can either be based in London or Birmingham. Salary:Base salary: £67,450- £84,350 (Birmingham) £79,300 - £99,150 (London) In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary (capped at £20,000) and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits - check them out in the Benefits section on our website. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. About the role: Work with the External Affairs Director to develop and lead a comprehensive external political engagement programme for HS2, setting and pursuing clear objectives built on analysis and insight. Build, maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders to build understanding, support and advocacy and ensure rapid resolution of issues - including with Westminster, Whitehall (Ministers, Advisors, and Civil Servants), Regional Mayors, Line of Route MPs, local and regional government, as well as other lobby and interest groups, environmental groups, transport groups and other relevant bodies. Maintain and strengthen the cross-party consensus in support of HS2, ensuring informed debate within Westminster and future proof majorities for HS2 legislation, such as the Phase 2b West Bill. Develop and lead a programme of work with the External Affairs Director that builds trust in HS2 Ltd and the HS2 programme, demonstrating our transparent approach and openness to scrutiny. Have oversight of all public affairs activity, providing counsel and support to ensure colleagues achieve their objectives and develop their own strategic communication skills. Provide political intelligence, analysis and strategic counsel to the External Affairs Directorate and wider business, including Chair, CEO, Board and Exec, facilitating effective external engagement that builds confidence in and support for both the project and programme, while enhancing the reputation of HS2 Ltd. Lead preparation of HS2 Ltd witnesses, briefing and evidence for select committees and equivalent bodies. Act as a senior external advocate for the organisation, building relationships and promoting activity to support HS2 Ltd goals and objectives and deliver the programme. Build trusted relationships with senior executives, directors and colleagues (particularly CEO and Chairman) providing public affairs and engagement advice as required. Deliver public affairs programmes for the HS2 Chair and CEO and support the Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team's engagement with external stakeholders including speaker opportunities. Work with the BCFoI Senior Manager, and the CEO's office and Company Secretary, to ensure HS2 Ltd discharges its statutory duties regarding Freedom of Information, written Parliamentary Questions, Parliamentary Advice Line and Ministerial Correspondence. Play a leadership role across the External Affairs Directorate and wider business. Deliver first-class issues management and lead Public Affairs responses to crisis communications incidents. Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI. About You: Skills: Robust under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-moving organisation. Demonstrable skills in engaging a range of stakeholders both within the public and private sectors, on projects of comparable scale, scope and complexity. Ability to develop challenging relationships and build trust amongst stakeholders and communities exercising diplomacy at every stage. Proven ability of working with subject matter experts to identify the critical business drivers, to balance the various criteria, and to prepare quality strategies and frameworks. Proven ability to balance the interests of timely and accurate delivery with representing views of external stakeholders in an honest and transparent manner. Excellent written communications, verbal communications and interpersonal skills. Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences (including Members of Parliament and their advisers) Stakeholder management, relationship building and advocacy skills, particularly in a complex political environment. Able to analyse complex issues and provide clear and consistent advice and insight, including at Board and Executive level. Ability to work with ambiguity and changing circumstances. Ability to deliver quality, accurate and targeted communications directly and through others. Team, project and budget management skills. Analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes and understand and communicate complex issues with clarity and consistency. Able to respond effectively to reputational issues or crisis communications incidents, including providing guidance and direction to colleagues. Knowledge: Knowledge of the current pressures facing the UK Government and how that may translate in the HS2 organisation with political awareness and understanding. Knowledge of issues affecting stakeholders and communities arising from large infrastructure projects. Knowledge of how UK Parliament works and appropriate engagement methods. Knowledge of how regional and local government operate and appropriate engagement methods. Knowledge of the planning and parliamentary process. Type of experience: Experience of developing and managing relationships with political and business stakeholders. Experience in developing, delivering and managing public affairs plans, strategies and tactics including issues resolution and building advocacy. Experience of working within or with Whitehall, Westminster and Local Government with a clear understanding of the political environment in which HS2 operates. Experience of partnership working and coordination in the public and private sectors. Experience of providing counsel at a senior leadership level across an organisation on stakeholder engagement and reputation management. Experience of developing and leading delivery of integrated communication plans and campaigns. Experience of managing external communication agencies and contractors. Experience of leading and managing people, including personal development of team members. Experience of delivering crisis management and/or major incident communications. The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2's Health and Safety strategy and principles Company values Leadership framework Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrating leadership flexibility, motivating and inspiring people from diverse functions and cultures. Execution: Stretching the performance of people with a wide range of skills and capabilities. Influence: Cross-matrix influencing, using a range of interpersonal approaches to persuade people with differing perspectives and interests. Collaboration: Collaborating across boundaries, to establish reciprocal relationships and alliances across the organisation. Direction: Co-ordinating cross business teams, creating a shared sense of purpose and keeping diverse teams focused on the same HS2 goals. Business Judgement: Ensuring values for money, making judgements on what will ensure commercial viability, appropriately balancing risk and return. Innovation: Inspiring differentiation, innovating and encouraging early adoption of new ideas and 'pushing the boundaries' Growing Talent: Fast-tracking talent, taking risks with growth opportunities for high potential performers to 'raise their game.' The HS2 Leadership Framework can be accessed via the following link: We ask for a variety of detail in your online application, however we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert. Watch this video on how we remove bias in the recruitment process: Removing bias in the recruitment process - YouTube Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered. About Us High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity . click apply for full job details

TheHead of Public Affairs at HS2 will provide strategic leadership for the effective development and delivery of the public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy, supporting the company to achieve its goals through effective engagement both internally across the HS2 Executive and the Department for Transport and externally with political, business and industry stakeholders, maintaining cross-party support, building advocacy and securing majorities for HS2 legislation. Location:This role can either be based in London or Birmingham. Salary:Base salary: £67,450- £84,350 (Birmingham) £79,300 - £99,150 (London) In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary (capped at £20,000) and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits - check them out in the Benefits section on our website. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. About the role: Work with the External Affairs Director to develop and lead a comprehensive external political engagement programme for HS2, setting and pursuing clear objectives built on analysis and insight. Build, maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders to build understanding, support and advocacy and ensure rapid resolution of issues - including with Westminster, Whitehall (Ministers, Advisors, and Civil Servants), Regional Mayors, Line of Route MPs, local and regional government, as well as other lobby and interest groups, environmental groups, transport groups and other relevant bodies. Maintain and strengthen the cross-party consensus in support of HS2, ensuring informed debate within Westminster and future proof majorities for HS2 legislation, such as the Phase 2b West Bill. Develop and lead a programme of work with the External Affairs Director that builds trust in HS2 Ltd and the HS2 programme, demonstrating our transparent approach and openness to scrutiny. Have oversight of all public affairs activity, providing counsel and support to ensure colleagues achieve their objectives and develop their own strategic communication skills. Provide political intelligence, analysis and strategic counsel to the External Affairs Directorate and wider business, including Chair, CEO, Board and Exec, facilitating effective external engagement that builds confidence in and support for both the project and programme, while enhancing the reputation of HS2 Ltd. Lead preparation of HS2 Ltd witnesses, briefing and evidence for select committees and equivalent bodies. Act as a senior external advocate for the organisation, building relationships and promoting activity to support HS2 Ltd goals and objectives and deliver the programme. Build trusted relationships with senior executives, directors and colleagues (particularly CEO and Chairman) providing public affairs and engagement advice as required. Deliver public affairs programmes for the HS2 Chair and CEO and support the Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team's engagement with external stakeholders including speaker opportunities. Work with the BCFoI Senior Manager, and the CEO's office and Company Secretary, to ensure HS2 Ltd discharges its statutory duties regarding Freedom of Information, written Parliamentary Questions, Parliamentary Advice Line and Ministerial Correspondence. Play a leadership role across the External Affairs Directorate and wider business. Deliver first-class issues management and lead Public Affairs responses to crisis communications incidents. Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI. About You: Skills: Robust under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-moving organisation. Demonstrable skills in engaging a range of stakeholders both within the public and private sectors, on projects of comparable scale, scope and complexity. Ability to develop challenging relationships and build trust amongst stakeholders and communities exercising diplomacy at every stage. Proven ability of working with subject matter experts to identify the critical business drivers, to balance the various criteria, and to prepare quality strategies and frameworks. Proven ability to balance the interests of timely and accurate delivery with representing views of external stakeholders in an honest and transparent manner. Excellent written communications, verbal communications and interpersonal skills. Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences (including Members of Parliament and their advisers) Stakeholder management, relationship building and advocacy skills, particularly in a complex political environment. Able to analyse complex issues and provide clear and consistent advice and insight, including at Board and Executive level. Ability to work with ambiguity and changing circumstances. Ability to deliver quality, accurate and targeted communications directly and through others. Team, project and budget management skills. Analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes and understand and communicate complex issues with clarity and consistency. Able to respond effectively to reputational issues or crisis communications incidents, including providing guidance and direction to colleagues. Knowledge: Knowledge of the current pressures facing the UK Government and how that may translate in the HS2 organisation with political awareness and understanding. Knowledge of issues affecting stakeholders and communities arising from large infrastructure projects. Knowledge of how UK Parliament works and appropriate engagement methods. Knowledge of how regional and local government operate and appropriate engagement methods. Knowledge of the planning and parliamentary process. Type of experience: Experience of developing and managing relationships with political and business stakeholders. Experience in developing, delivering and managing public affairs plans, strategies and tactics including issues resolution and building advocacy. Experience of working within or with Whitehall, Westminster and Local Government with a clear understanding of the political environment in which HS2 operates. Experience of partnership working and coordination in the public and private sectors. Experience of providing counsel at a senior leadership level across an organisation on stakeholder engagement and reputation management. Experience of developing and leading delivery of integrated communication plans and campaigns. Experience of managing external communication agencies and contractors. Experience of leading and managing people, including personal development of team members. Experience of delivering crisis management and/or major incident communications. The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2's Health and Safety strategy and principles Company values Leadership framework Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrating leadership flexibility, motivating and inspiring people from diverse functions and cultures. Execution: Stretching the performance of people with a wide range of skills and capabilities. Influence: Cross-matrix influencing, using a range of interpersonal approaches to persuade people with differing perspectives and interests. Collaboration: Collaborating across boundaries, to establish reciprocal relationships and alliances across the organisation. Direction: Co-ordinating cross business teams, creating a shared sense of purpose and keeping diverse teams focused on the same HS2 goals. Business Judgement: Ensuring values for money, making judgements on what will ensure commercial viability, appropriately balancing risk and return. Innovation: Inspiring differentiation, innovating and encouraging early adoption of new ideas and 'pushing the boundaries' Growing Talent: Fast-tracking talent, taking risks with growth opportunities for high potential performers to 'raise their game.' The HS2 Leadership Framework can be accessed via the following link: We ask for a variety of detail in your online application, however we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert. Watch this video on how we remove bias in the recruitment process: Removing bias in the recruitment process - YouTube Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered. About Us High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity . click apply for full job details

Salary Base salary: £43750pa to c.£54650pa depending on skills and experience. In addition, we offer flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits - check them out in the Benefits section on our website. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. As a Senior Asset Manager at HS2 you will be responsible for coordinating and delivering the Operational and Technical requirements for HS2 Ltd (Infrastructure Management), to deliver Infrastructure Maintenance to assets along the HS2 route. About the role: Responsible for asset stewardship of the HS2 assets that are handed over to the Infrastructure Manager, including the implementation of the Asset Management (Maintenance, Management and Monitoring) requirements for the asset portfolio, in accordance with company objectives, policies, standards, plans and specifications. Determine the scope of the interim and end-state organisation and the maintenance requirements by identifying any constraints from the final design through design and hazard reviews, this includes attendance at project design reviews representing the Infrastructure Manager as the subject matter expert for the maintenance of assets. Support procurement and tender activities as the Infrastructure Manager representative for all required prospective contracts. Support the Infrastructure Manager team mobilisation, operational and capital expenditure budgets. This includes the forward planning, reporting and management of monthly and annual budgets as well as long-term investment business cases. In collaboration with the HS2 Ltd Procurement teams support the development of any market engagement activities on behalf of the Infrastructure Management team and Route Asset Manager. Instruct the delivery of the work (including that delivered by Supply Contracts) on behalf of the Infrastructure Manager, including monitoring compliance to standards, specifications and plans, reviewing and validating work outputs and taking necessary action where appropriate. Support the handover process to HS2 to enable future development of the HS2 Ltd Management Plans. Contribute to and act as the Infrastructure Manager ambassador for the development of innovation and associated business cases/justification, including opportunities for Research & Development and adoption of new technologies, processes and procedures. Provide the relevant Operational and Technical input in HS2 Ltd obtaining the necessary Railway Undertaking licenses. Conduct nominated deputy duties for the Route Asset Manager. Develop and improve relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers. Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI. About You: Skills: Ability to demonstrate safety leadership, particularly evaluation of operational risk arising from designs but also implementation of appropriate measures for operations. Ability to interpret and work in compliance with relevant standards, codes of practice, and plans, and take necessary action if these are compromised. Ability to specify and review proposals for assets and systems Ability to write and review standards, specifications and work instructions Ability to review design proposals, O&M Manuals, and other operational documentation from a maintenance engineering and asset management perspective. Knowledge: Knowledge of resource and work organisation/planning processes and systems. Knowledge and experience of maintenance, monitoring, management and asset condition assessment techniques for assets and systems. Knowledge and understanding of relevant and appropriate legislation. Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of railway assets. Type of experience: Experience in leading or working within asset management and maintenance teams. Experience of Supply Chain contract management. Experience in developing and/or reviewing specifications, strategies, plans, scope documents, reports and engineering drawings in construction programmes across multi discipline areas. Experience in liaising with relevant statutory bodies and technical authorities, demonstrating that minimum requirements from technical standards, planning commitments and statutory consents are reviewed, monitored and discharged. Experience in identifying, proposing and implementing successful improvements, including continuous improvement methodologies, innovation and enhancement projects. The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect It is expected that you will actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI. As HS2 Ltd do not hold a sponsorship license from the Home Office, we are not able to provide sponsorship to any applicant. Applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK at the time of application and our process involves a Right to Work validation prior to the interview stage. Note, there are certain types of time-bound visas that we cannot accept. Any offers made to applicants will be subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks which include Nationality & Immigration Status, employment references, DBS, Financial and Education checks. We ask for a variety of detail in your online application, however we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert. Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered. About Us High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK's new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain's major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff - living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities. HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others' health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our 'Safe at Heart' programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times. HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. Job Info Job Identification 250052 Job Category Operations & Maintenance Posting Date 06/12/2025, 08:52 AM Apply Before 06/29/2025, 10:59 PM Job Schedule Full time Locations 1 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 2DN, GB Permanent or Fixed Term Contract Permanent