General Counsel

Lead our in-house Legal team, be the "go-to" person providing in-house corporate legal advice in this fascinating and broad role.

• Ability to work from any of our NZ NZTE office locations!
• Be the 'go to' person for all NZTE's legal issues.
• Personal Development Plans and Fund + Internal Coaching Programmes

This role is based in New Zealand within commuting range of our offices, Wellington or Auckland (preferred) 

Who are we - Ko Te Taurapa Tūhono tēnei

Every day New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) connects New Zealand export businesses with opportunities to grow and go global. Their success is our success. We also connect investors with New Zealand investment opportunities across companies, sectors, and regions. If you are innovative with a can-do attitude, adventurous, and open to being challenged, then this might be the opportunity for you! Our people are based in 37 offices, working across 24 time zones and 40 languages to support New Zealand businesses in over 100 countries.

What you'll be doing - Te whakamahere

The General Counsel leads the provision of strategic and in-house corporate legal advice across a broad range of issues, such as reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, advising on NZTE’s grant funding programme, managing higher risk legal issues and advising on legislative compliance issues. You will also be responsible for reviewing and drafting NZTE Board papers and reviewing and negotiating residential and commercial leases for NZTE’s NZ and international offices.

As the leader of our in-house Legal team, you will be the "go-to" person for NZTE’s legal issues.  You will be great at inspiring and coaching your small team of 1 – 2 direct reports and getting the best from individuals by providing challenging tasks and assignments, actively developing individuals and being a great people builder and leader.

 What you'll need to be successful - Ō Pūkenga

The role is best suited to a lawyer with at least 8 years PQE, but we will consider applicants with more than six year's applicable legal experience. Ideally your most relevant prior experience will be in a public sector legal team, commercial or public law team in a private law firm; or as an in-house commercial lawyer in a private sector entity.

You will have outstanding interpersonal and people leadership skills, with the drive to mentor and motivate your small high performing team, while developing and maintaining strong and trusted relationships across the organisation.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong relationships across the business, providing pragmatic solutions and making judgement calls. A proactive, collaborative approach, and a 'can do' attitude will be key to success.

Why you'll love working here - Nau mai ki Te Taurapa Tūhono

NZTE is a truly global organisation where we work across different time zones and offer flexibility because of this. We know that life isn't all about work so we will give you the right technology to allow you to work anywhere and balance your time. On top of this, we also offer 5 weeks annual leave so you can have that extra time in the year to enjoy what you love doing!

What's next - Te ara ki tua

At NZTE it's all about the people! We have an excellent work culture, and our people are highly collaborative, practical and driven.

For more information, please read the position description General Counsel PD here

Applications close Monday 13 January at 11:59pm NZ time.

Please note:

• You’ll need to be a qualified lawyer holding, or able to obtain, a NZ practicing certificate,
• The right to live and work in NZ is required to apply for this role 

At New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) we are a passionate people-focused team and an equal opportunity employer. We seek diversity of thought; welcoming and encouraging you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity, or disability. We offer a great work/life balance offering flexibility, health and wellbeing guidance, manaakitanga, career growth, amazing international connections, and a fantastic culture!  

If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Specialist