Head of Legal

About the Opportunity 
This is a significant opportunity to lead the legal function at Port of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most strategically important port, at a time of continued organisational transformation and commercial development. Reporting to the GM People and Legal, this senior leadership role offers the opportunity to influence major commercial decisions, shape strategic initiatives and work closely with Executive leaders across a complex, operationally focused business.
With strong cultural and performance foundations now established, the business is focused on building long-term commercial strength, operational resilience and sustainable growth. The Head of Legal will play an important role in this next phase, bringing sound commercial judgement, practical legal expertise and a solutions-focused approach to some of the organisation’s most significant opportunities and challenges.
The breadth of work is considerable, spanning major infrastructure investment, international commercial relationships, strategic procurement and evolving operating models. From negotiating agreements with global shipping lines to advising on significant capital projects and the future structure of key port operations, this is a role where legal advice directly influences business outcomes.  

Key areas of focus will include:

• Shape strategic and commercial decisions, working alongside senior leaders to navigate complex legal matters and enable effective business outcomes.
• Provide legal leadership on significant commercial agreements, infrastructure investment and major procurement initiatives.
• Influence the future of key port operations, including commercial arrangements, operating models and strategic partnerships.
• Strengthen the organisation’s approach to commercial risk, regulatory obligations and governance, including competition and pricing considerations.
• Continue to evolve and enhance the legal function, ensuring legal advice, contracts, and risk management effectively support the wider business.
• Contribute to Board and Audit & Risk Committee matters, bringing sound judgement and a commercial perspective to significant organisational decisions.

What You’ll Bring 

• An accomplished commercial lawyer with approximately 10+ years’ post-qualification experience, gained in-house and/or within a leading private practice environment.
• Admitted to practise law in New Zealand, with a current practising certificate.
• Broad commercial expertise, with particular strength in complex contracting, commercial negotiations, and business transactions.
• Infrastructure or construction projects, property asset-intensive environments, transport or logistics; are favourable sector backgrounds.
• The confidence to balance legal considerations with practical business realities.
• Experience navigating complex environments, providing clear advice and influencing decisions at senior leadership level.
• Sound understanding of governance, compliance and commercial risk, with the judgement and confidence to identify ‘what matters’ and focus on workable solutions.
• A proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach, comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on - with the utmost of composure and diplomacy.
• An approach aligned to High Performance, High Engagement (HPHE) ways of working, building trusted relationships and encouraging shared ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative, down-to-earth style focused on partnership, influence, and results.

What’s on Offer 

• A highly influential legal leadership role within one of New Zealand’s most strategically important infrastructure organisations – a purpose-driven organisation enabling sustainable trade growth for Auckland and New Zealand.
• A unique opportunity to shape and develop a modern in-house legal function, with genuine scope to influence how legal services support the business.
• The opportunity to contribute to significant commercial, operational and infrastructure decisions that will shape the future of Auckland’s port.
• A culture of Whanaungatanga that invests in, celebrates, and harnesses the power of its people working together to drive innovation, deliver growth, achieve operational excellence, and create positive safety outcomes collaboratively.
• Meaningful engagement with Executive leadership and exposure to Board-level governance and strategic decision-making, working alongside passionate, positive and highly collaborative Executives and senior leaders.
• Exposure to major capital investment, international partnerships and complex operational challenges.

Next Steps? 
To keep things simple, we ask that all applications are submitted through this advert. We’ll review applications as they come in and be in touch.

For any questions give Sandy Gibbs a call on 027 583 7411 and quote Job ID: 18750 for a confidential chat.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.  

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