Senior Legal Counsel

About the Role

Join PwC New Zealand as a Senior Legal Counsel within our Office of General Counsel based in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau). This senior in-house position involves delivering practical and commercially aware legal guidance across the firm. You will collaborate closely with partners, client teams, and Internal Firm Services on diverse legal matters, emphasizing complex client contracts, procurement, and legal risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate complex commercial agreements such as client contracts, master service agreements, and supplier contracts.
• Support bids, tenders, and strategic client agreements aimed at securing commercially viable results.
• Work with Risk and Procurement teams on strategic supplier discussions and managing vendor risks.
• Offer pragmatic legal advice on operational and strategic business issues to stakeholders.
• Assist in responding to legislative and regulatory changes affecting the company.
• Help manage dispute resolution when necessary.
• Contribute to enhancing legal templates, guidance, and internal policies.
• Address ad hoc legal enquiries promptly with solution-oriented advice.

Skills and Experience

• Possession of a current New Zealand legal practicing certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
• Between six and ten or more years of post-qualification experience, preferably with substantial commercial contracting background in law firms and/or in-house roles.
• Proven ability in drafting and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Strong commercial awareness, balancing legal risks alongside business goals.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills across organizational levels.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Capability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic working environment.

Employee Benefits and Work Environment

• Discretionary bonuses and attractive referral incentives.
• Access to retail discounts and deals.
• Opportunities for professional development including leadership training, AI tool usage, and formal learning paths.
• Wellbeing provisions including a $250 annual allowance, life and income insurance, mental health support (Sonder, EAP, Headspace), 15 days paid sick leave, and eligibility for group health insurance.
• Flexible working arrangements with a supportive coaching culture.
• Two paid recognition days off during the annual summer shutdown, with the option to purchase additional annual leave.
• Parental leave benefits that support all parents, alongside flexible options and financial planning assistance.
• Inclusive networks and paid volunteering leave to support whānau and community engagement.

Additional Information

You are encouraged to apply early as the position may close once a suitable candidate is found. Direct applications are preferred; no recruitment agencies are involved at this time. The recruitment process may incorporate secure AI technology to assist, but all final hiring decisions are made by PwC personnel.