Legal Services Lead
Lead strategic commercial legal work that helps shape the future of essential water infrastructure in the Wellington region.
Lead complex commercial legal work on critical projects and partnerships
Trusted advisor to leaders on strategic legal and commercial matters
Petone based, flexible working
This is a full time, permanent position of 40 hours per week
The mid-point in the salary range for this role is $166,357 (including KiwiSaver) depending on skills and experience.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Legal Services Lead to help establish our new Legal function. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will play a key leadership role in providing expert legal advice across complex commercial, contractual and strategic matters that support organisational priorities and major projects.
This is an opportunity partner with leaders, influence decision-making, manage legal risk, and deliver practical solutions that enable business outcomes. In the role you will:
Lead the delivery of commercial and contractual legal services across major projects, procurement activities, operational arrangements and strategic partnerships.
Draft, review, negotiate and advise on a broad range of complex contracts, commercial agreements and procurement documentation.
Provide strategic legal advice to senior leaders on significant business initiatives, organisational change programmes and key commercial decisions.
Identify and manage legal and contractual risks, delivering practical and commercially focused solutions that support organisational objectives.
Build organisational capability by developing frameworks, guidance, training and best-practice approaches to contract management and legal risk management.
About you
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior commercial lawyer to work for an organisation where you can make a meaningful impact. To be successful in this role you will bring:
Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a current practising certificate.
At least 10 years' post-qualification experience, including significant experience advising on complex commercial and contractual matters.
Proven expertise in drafting, negotiating and managing high-value contracts and commercial arrangements.
Strong experience partnering with senior leaders and providing strategic, risk-based legal advice in a complex organisation.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, mentor and build trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme, including one paid wellbeing day annually
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
5 weeks annual leave accrual will be available following 2 years of continual service
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: Thursday 8 October 2026.
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Risk and Compliance
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
