Head of Legal & Governance (General Counsel)
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Job Location:
Nelson - New Zealand
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
- Shape Council-wide impact.
- Lead with purpose.
- Deliver value to our communities.
We are seeking a strategic people-focused leader to join our organisation as Head of Legal & Governance. This is a pivotal role where youll lead a multifaceted business unit encompassing legal services governance LGOIMA privacy information management (including LIM and property) and support services.
About this role Kō tēnei tūranga mahi
As Head of Legal & Governance youll lead a high-performing business unit covering legal services governance LGOIMA privacy information management and democratic support.
Reporting to the Executive Director Corporate Services youll provide trusted legal and governance advice to senior leaders and elected members shaping organisation-wide decision-making and ensuring statutory compliance.
Youll foster a culture of excellence innovation and continuous improvement while aligning your teams work with Councils long-term goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high-level legal and strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team Senior Leadership Team elected members and business units.
- Lead and manage the Legal & Governance teams ensuring effective service delivery and alignment with Council priorities.
- Oversee legal risk operations and contract management ensuring efficient compliant processes.
- Provide governance oversight ensuring legislative compliance and best-practice democratic processes.
- Lead Councils approach to information and privacy management including compliance with the Public Records Act and Privacy Act.
- Act as Deputy Electoral Officer managing elections representation reviews and related responsibilities.
- Monitor legislative changes advise on emerging risks and report to Council committees on legal governance and compliance matters.
About you Ko ngā pūmanawa ōu
Youre a seasoned legal and governance leader with a strong public sector background and a pragmatic strategic mindset. You thrive in complex environments bring sound judgement and lead with purpose and integrity.
You will bring:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current New Zealand practising certificate.
- 12 years post-qualification legal experience ideally in local or central government with expertise in public regulatory local government or privacy law.
- Proven senior leadership experience including managing legal or governance teams and advising executives and elected members.
- Strong political acumen and an understanding of the social cultural and economic context in which Council operates.
- Experience in legal risk management strategic planning and overseeing external legal providers.
- Familiarity with electoral processes privacy compliance and information management frameworks.
- A commitment to transparency continuous improvement and public trust.
- Additional qualifications in public administration governance or management (desirable).
You also bring the leadership behaviours that matter here:
- You connect your teams work to Councils purpose direction and community outcomes.
- You champion a customer- and community-focused culture ensuring services are accessible inclusive and responsive.
- You lead with a focus on value outcomes and accountability making the best use of public resources.
- You collaborate across the organisation and build strong respectful relationships with iwi and key stakeholders.
- You coach develop and grow others while role-modelling integrity and performance.
- You lead change with calm and purpose embedding innovation and continuous improvement across your areas of influence.
What we offer Ko ngā painga mōu
At Nelson City Council we believe that taking care of Nelson starts with taking care of our people. Were working to make a positive difference in the lives of our communities. We value integrity service and collaboration and were committed to being a high-performing future-focused organisation.
We offer:
- A permanent full-time senior leadership role
- Competitive remuneration and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development and wellbeing support
- A collaborative future-focused work environment
This is your opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role where your expertise will guide Councils legal and governance landscape and make a lasting impact across Whakatū Nelson.
Click here for a copy of the position description.
For further enquiries Ina he pātai anō whakapā mai: Please contact Abby Kuyk People & Capability Business Partner at
At Nelson City Council we are committed to fostering a diverse equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe valued and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures LGBTQ communities neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application please dont hesitate to get in touch.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- General Counsel
- Legal Case Management
- Legal Drafting
- Litigation
- Intellectual Property Law
- Legal Counsel
- Legal Research
- Securities Law
- Employment & Labor Law
- Real Estate Law
- negotiation
- Contracts
About Company
Nelson City Council (NCC) is all about serving our community and our people. Our staff thrive on developing our community to be an enjoyable place to live and visit. With over 380 employees, we have the structure and processes of a large organisation, but the culture and feel of a sma ... View more
