Chief Legal Advisor

About the role

The Chief Legal Advisor will lead the Customs Legal team, providing trusted legal counsel that underpins New Zealand’s border security and supports trade and travel growth. Reporting to senior executives, the role shapes organisational priorities and ensures legal compliance across the agency.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee delivery of high‑quality legal advice across commercial, public policy, enforcement and revenue areas.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Legal and Strategy, the Customs Executive Board and senior leaders.
• Develop and implement legal and legislative strategy aligned with Customs’ strategy, ministerial priorities and broader government objectives.
• Manage the legal team’s performance, capability development and whole‑of‑border, whole‑of‑government approach.
• Monitor and review legislative settings to support regulatory stewardship.

Required profile

• Proven success in a senior legal leadership role.
• Qualified Solicitor with a current practising certificate and extensive experience in legal and legislative strategy.
• Strategic thinker with deep understanding of government principles and the politically neutral whole‑of‑government framework.
• Strong influence skills with senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Business and people management expertise, driving customer service, innovation and productivity.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and high‑quality legal service delivery.
• Ability to translate organisational priorities into clear goals, strategies and plans.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and public‑speaking abilities.
• Robust problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.

Required skills