NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi is seeking a dynamic leader to unite and lead the strategically important functions of procurement, governance, legal, risk, and assurance within our organisation.
Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity
As Group General Counsel, you will lead a high-performing function that acts as a strategic and trusted advisor to the business. You’ll harness robust processes, strong capabilities, and modern technology to drive long-term value and deliver great outcomes for New Zealand.
Your key accountabilities will be to:
Provide enterprise-wide leadership for governance, legal, procurement, risk, and assurance
Shape approaches that deliver measurable business value and safeguard organisational interests
Drive innovative procurement practices and robust legal frameworks
Lead proactive risk management and assurance processes
Act as a trusted advisor to the CE, Board, and Executive Leadership Team
You will find out more about the role here.
Ko koe tēnei | About you
You are a highly experienced legal and commercial professional with deep expertise in navigating complex and regulated environments. Your strong command of public procurement legislation, commercial law, and government contracting frameworks enables you to design, govern, and deliver robust and compliant procurement practices. You bring a strategic mindset, with the ability to translate legal and commercial requirements into practical, high‑quality operational outcomes. A confident communicator and influential collaborator, you build trusted relationships across the organisation and with external partners. You have an ability to balance risk and opportunities to deliver outcomes that drive high performance for the organisation.
What you’ll bring:
Extensive experience in commercial, procurement, or legal roles within complex and regulated environments, with a track record of delivering measurable business value.
Ability to shape and execute enterprise-wide plans for governance, risk, legal compliance, and procurement that align with organisational strategy and drive long-term value.
Deep understanding of public sector procurement and commercial law, with expertise in risk management, performance analytics, and supplier governance.
Strong relationship-building skills, including experience working with Boards, Executive teams, Government ministers, and central agencies.
Demonstrated ability to lead change management and continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of high performance and adaptability.
Skilled at translating complex legal and financial concepts into clear, actionable advice for diverse audiences.
Mō mātou |About Us
The purpose of the General Counsel Office is to enable NZTA to operate with commercial strength, integrity, and resilience by providing expert leadership in governance, legal, procurement, risk, and assurance.
Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Flexible working arrangements, including [remote/hybrid options - role dependant].
Along with our other benefits we also have 5 weeks annual leave and an Income Protection and Critical illness Insurance scheme available for all permanent employees.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:
Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.
Rā Katinga | Applications close:
1 February 2026For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz
To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.