Senior Legal Counsel

About COLAS Australia Group

COLAS Australia is a prominent company in the Road Construction and Maintenance Industry, expanding across Australia and New Zealand with over 700 employees working on 15 sites in five states. It operates as a subsidiary of the global Bouygues Group, which employs over 200,000 people worldwide.

Position Overview

We are looking for a seasoned Senior Legal Counsel to join our team based in Baulkham Hills, NSW. Reporting directly to the Group General Counsel, you will collaborate closely with teams spanning operations, commercial, procurement, and finance. Your key role will be to provide actionable, commercially-aligned legal guidance that facilitates project success and supports business growth. You will embed legal considerations early in decision-making processes while weighing risks against commercial benefits.

This role also involves leadership responsibilities within the legal department, contributing to legal strategy development and fostering legal skills advancement across the company. You will manage complex legal issues related to construction, infrastructure, and corporate affairs and support the mentoring and growth of legal team members.

Primary Duties

• Provide strategic legal counsel across Australia and New Zealand in partnership with various business units.
• Manage legal advice concerning contracts, procurement, compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Assist the Group General Counsel by drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and overseeing complex agreements including construction contracts, consultancy agreements, supply contracts, and service agreements.
• Offer guidance to project teams on delivery challenges, risk allocation, claims, and commercial negotiations.
• Lead dispute management including handling Security of Payment Act issues, pre-litigation claims, and coordinating with external legal advisors.
• Develop and implement early dispute resolution tactics that limit commercial, operational, and reputational harm.
• Support compliance activities related to governance, workplace health and safety, privacy, insurance, and other obligations.
• Create and improve legal templates, standard agreements, company policies, and training resources.
• Stay abreast of legislative and regulatory changes and provide practical business advice accordingly.
• Represent the organization in negotiations involving clients, joint ventures, subcontractors, suppliers, and contractors.
• Contribute to shaping the legal department's strategic goals and objectives.
• Lead and mentor at least one direct legal report, building a strong, high-achieving team.

Candidate Profile

• Possession of a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current unrestricted New South Wales practicing certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification legal experience, ideally in construction, infrastructure, engineering, or large project settings.
• Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating, and managing complex commercial and construction contracts.
• Experience in handling disputes, claims, and litigation processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and regulatory environments.
• Strong capacity for stakeholder engagement and influencing, able to deliver practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Experience in leading, coaching, and developing legal teams.
• Adept at balancing legal risks with business aims in dynamic and fast-moving environments.

Culture and Benefits

Our employees are central to our achievements. COLAS Australia is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining visionary and passionate professionals. We foster a work environment that values diversity and inclusion, welcoming Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally diverse applicants.

• Competitive salary package
• Annual salary reviews
• Flexible work arrangements
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance and healthcare benefits
• Corporate fitness programs and discounts on wellness products
• Employee recognition and support initiatives

Additional Information

COLAS Australia Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies and will not pay fees for such referrals.