Senior Legal Counsel Commercial

Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity 

This is a dynamic fast-paced role where your legal expertise will directly contribute to the Universitys strategic and commercial success. As Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial youll work across a wide range of matters supporting research enterprise procurement partnerships and innovation.

Youll be part of a collaborative legal team providing pragmatic solutions-focused advice that enables the Universitys teaching research and engagement activities. This role offers the opportunity to work with purpose influence outcomes and support commercial initiatives that have real impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements.
• Advising on intellectual property confidentiality data sharing and commercial risk.
• Supporting commercialisation innovation and revenue-generating activity.
• Providing legal input into procurement funding and partnership arrangements.
• Partnering with senior leaders to manage legal risk and enable informed decision-making.
• Contributing to continuous improvement and legal literacy across the organisation.
• Upholding the Universitys commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity outcomes.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) Permanent position.

For more detailed information please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu About you 

Youre a confident and capable legal professional with 8 years PQE ideally with experience in commercial law within a large and complex organisation. You bring sound judgement a pragmatic mindset and the ability to work autonomously on high-impact matters.

Youre aspirational smart and commercially aware. Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys solving problems with purpose. Youre comfortable navigating ambiguity managing competing priorities and building strong relationships across diverse teams.

If youre looking for a role where your legal expertise can help shape innovation and strategic partnerships wed love to hear from you.

What we offer Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University of Auckland is New Zealands leading university and maintains significant computational laboratory and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks annual leave

In addition we also offer career development programmes discounted car parking a generous parental leave allowance childcare and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information please visit Staff Benefits

Additional Information :

Me pēhea te tuku tono How to apply 

Applications should be submitted online before the closing date of Sunday 30 November 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.  

For a confidential conversation please reach out to Joshua Chapman

Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe inclusive and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori Pacific women LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF people with disabilities parenting support flexible work and other personal circumstances go to 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time