General Counsel

About the role

The General Counsel leads the legal services function of the Commerce Commission, New Zealand’s competition and economic regulator. Reporting to the Senior Leadership Team, the role shapes legal strategy, advises senior decision‑makers and oversees high‑profile litigation and regulatory matters.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the Commission’s most senior legal advisor, defining and communicating legal strategy.
• Lead competition and regulatory litigation of national significance.
• Provide strategic legal advice to the Board, Chief Executive and Commissioners.
• Oversee delivery of legal services, including litigation strategy, regulatory advice, corporate and governance support.
• Manage a large in‑house legal team and external counsel relationships.
• Contribute to enterprise leadership, influencing organisational strategy beyond the legal function.

Required profile

• Outstanding legal leader with recognised expertise in competition law.
• Senior lawyer with extensive experience in regulatory, litigation or public law.
• Proven executive‑level experience advising Boards and senior decision‑makers.
• Strong judgement and intellectual depth to lead complex competition matters and shape legal precedent.

Required skills

• Competition law
• Regulatory law
• Litigation