Location
London, UK - Hybrid working with an average of two days per week working from home. Candidates must be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.

Hours
Full Time - standard working hours with flexibility to support operational needs of Heathrow.

Salary
Competitive salary with performance-based annual bonuses and longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans.

About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to work alongside the Head of Legal (Planning) to lead the legal planning strategy for Heathrow's expansion and wider planning matters. This role involves securing complex planning consents and influencing planning policy at both local and national levels. You will act as a trusted advisor to the expansion programme team and collaborate closely with Heathrow's wider legal, property, and operational functions.
The Senior Legal Counsel will manage day-to-day legal consenting issues, provide direct advice, and procure external legal advice when necessary. Key responsibilities include handling Development Consent Order (DCO) matters from pre-application through post consent stages, advising on compulsory acquisition, landowners and statutory undertakers, consenting and engagement strategies, environmental impact assessments, Habitats Regulations, DCO application documents, examination strategies, and DCO implementation.
This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s most complex and significant infrastructure programmes, contributing directly to Heathrow’s expansion ambitions and sustainable growth.

About Us
Heathrow is the world’s most iconic airport, offering a dynamic and inspiring workplace. Every day brings new opportunities and the chance to work alongside people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. We are committed to sustainability and innovation, aiming to welcome millions more passengers while leading global efforts in environmental responsibility.
We support your growth with learning and development opportunities, encourage individuality, and provide a rewarding career path in a vibrant environment.

Our Rewards
We offer excellent benefits including generous annual leave, market-leading pensions, private health insurance, family-friendly policies, wellbeing tools, and varied learning opportunities to support your career and personal life.

Sustainable Travel to Work
Heathrow promotes sustainable travel options to support easy and environmentally friendly commuting.

Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity. We champion inclusivity through five diversity networks and celebrate individuality in our workforce.

About the Team
Our Legal & Business Assurance function is a close-knit, driven team committed to high standards and responsible operation within regulatory frameworks. You will engage in varied, high-profile legal work supporting Heathrow’s complex ecosystem and contribute to managing risk in the aviation industry for future generations.

Experience
Proven experience in Development Consent Order (DCO) processes from pre-application to post consent stages. Strong knowledge of compulsory acquisition, landowner and statutory undertaker issues, consenting and engagement strategies, environmental impact assessments, Habitats Regulations, and DCO implementation.
Experience working in complex infrastructure or planning law environments is essential.

About You
You are a trusted legal advisor with excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work collaboratively across teams. You have a proactive approach, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to influence planning policy at multiple levels. You thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment and are passionate about contributing to major infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

Qualifications
Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal qualification with relevant experience in planning and infrastructure law.