General Counsel

Role overview

This position sits at the centre of the organisation, where legal expertise is used to help the business operate with confidence, stay compliant, and make sound commercial decisions.

What you will do

• Take the lead on negotiating and preparing major technology and digital agreements, including those tied to transformation work and cloud solutions.
• Offer senior in-house legal guidance on regulatory, legislative, and corporate issues affecting the business.
• Make sure government procurement and sourcing requirements are followed while driving the best possible commercial results.
• Shape and improve contract management processes so supplier relationships deliver value and reduce risk.
• Advise on complex or high-risk matters and help guide decisions at senior leadership level.
• Contribute to policy work, legal compliance, and obligations under OIA, Privacy, Fair Trading, and gambling-related legislation.
• Support governance activities, including matters connected to the Board and the Audit & Risk Committee.

Team and working environment

You will join a collaborative, values-led setting where you will manage the Legal & Procurement team and serve as the organisation’s most senior legal adviser. The role works closely with leaders across the business, reports to the Chief Financial Officer, and is part of the Senior Leadership Team. You will also work with external stakeholders such as government agencies, including MBIE, while acting as a trusted partner across internal and external relationships.

About you

The ideal candidate is a commercially focused legal leader who is comfortable working in complex environments and can balance risk with opportunity.

Additional information

This is a highly visible role, and the advice you provide will have a direct impact on business outcomes and on the organisation’s long-term protection and success.

Candidate profile

You should be a qualified lawyer with at least 5 years of experience in a commercial legal setting. Experience in technology, digital, or other complex commercial contracting is important, along with proven ability to negotiate large-value contracts and support procurement activities. A strong understanding of New Zealand contract law is required, and exposure to public law or regulated environments would be an advantage. You should also be a confident communicator who can influence stakeholders at every level, use strong analytical judgment to resolve difficult issues, make decisions under pressure, and build trusted relationships across varied groups. A pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and a genuine interest in contributing to a purpose-driven organisation are essential.