Senior Legal Counsel - Property

About The Role and Company

Join one of New Zealand's most prominent retail conglomerates as a Senior Legal Counsel focusing on property law. At The Warehouse Group, home to iconic brands like The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery, and Noel Leeming, you will play a crucial role managing and advising on the group’s diverse property assets. This position offers significant autonomy, widespread responsibility, and the opportunity to collaborate with skilled professionals in a supportive environment.

Primary Duties

• Oversee lease renewals and conduct rent reviews across the property portfolio.
• Negotiate and draft commercial lease agreements and related legal contracts.
• Advise on acquisitions and developments of new retail stores.
• Manage property-related transactions and projects ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation.
• Partner closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to provide strategic counsel.
• Occasionally assist with legal matters related to commercial, consumer, insurance, and construction law as necessary.

Work Environment and Additional Expectations

You will report directly to the Chief Legal, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, working with a small but dynamic legal team. Flexibility to support areas beyond property law is required due to team size and workload variation. The team embraces innovation, particularly exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance legal processes.

Candidate Profile

• Recognized legal qualification with a current New Zealand practicing certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
• At least eight years post-qualification experience in private practice and/or in-house roles.
• Deep expertise in commercial property law.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to adapt within a dynamic corporate setting.
• Interest in leveraging technology, especially AI, for legal work efficiency.

Employee Benefits

• Discounts on products across The Warehouse Group's retail brands.
• Additional leave for birthdays.
• Complimentary parking facilities at the Northshore Support Office.
• A flexible and collaborative workplace culture, including the option for one work-from-home day per week (Friday).
• Access to onsite gym and café amenities.
• Initiatives promoting wellbeing and opportunities for professional growth.

Additional Information

This opportunity combines high-level property legal practice with the scope and visibility offered by working within one of New Zealand's largest retail enterprises. There is openness to negotiate a reduced four-day workweek for the ideal candidate.