Chief Legal Counsel

About the role

The Chief Legal Counsel will shape the legal and regulatory integrity of New Zealand’s aviation system. Reporting to senior leadership, you will provide authoritative guidance on high‑risk and complex matters while ensuring legal considerations are embedded in strategy and operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice and oversee legal risk, assurance, and compliance across the Authority.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing Legal Services team.
• Act as Privacy Officer, directing privacy and information‑governance initiatives.
• Support regulatory and enforcement activities with sound legal guidance.
• Manage external counsel, litigation, and key legal relationships.
• Contribute to policy, legislation, and regulatory stewardship.

Required profile

• Significant senior legal leadership experience in a complex government or regulatory environment.
• Proven ability to advise CEOs, Boards, and senior leaders on high‑risk matters.
• Strong legal judgement with the capacity to balance legal risk against organisational objectives.
• Exceptional influencing and communication skills at executive level.
• Track record of building and leading high‑performing legal teams.
• Understanding of public sector accountability, regulatory stewardship, and governance.

Required skills

• Admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a current practising certificate.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

What we offer

• Salary range $188,168 – $230,231 per year.