HS2

HS2 Ltd is at the forefront of delivering one of the most ambitious and high-profile infrastructure programmes in Europe. The High Speed Two (HS2) project is a multi-phase, multi-decade endeavour that will reshape connectivity across the UK, drive economic growth, and create a more sustainable transport future.  

HS2 is seeking a highly experienced and visionary legal professional to join the senior leadership team as General Counsel. In this pivotal role, the General Counsel will lead the Legal and Company Secretariat team, providing strategic direction and expert legal and governance advice across the breadth of HS2’s operations. This includes complex and high-value areas such as land and property acquisition, planning and consents, procurement, construction law, corporate governance, and public and environmental law.  

The General Counsel is responsible for ensuring that HS2 Ltd operates within a robust legal and regulatory framework, managing legal risk effectively while supporting the organisation to deliver its strategic objectives. The role includes oversight of a team of c.30 (comprising lawyers, governance specialists and paralegal/operational support) and stewardship of a significant legal budget, ensuring value for money through the efficient use of internal and external resources. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closely with the CEO, Executive Committee, and Board, the General Counsel will play a critical role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and embedding legal insight and good corporate governance into key programme decisions.  

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute at the highest level to a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project of national significance. HS2 Ltd is looking for an exceptional lawyer with substantial post-qualification experience, ideally gained in both public and private sector environments. Candidates will have a proven track record of leading legal functions in complex, high-value organisations and providing strategic advice at board and executive level. A deep understanding of public law, regulatory compliance, and the legal dimensions of large-scale infrastructure delivery is essential.  

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to HS2 on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference HAUOD. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 11th July.