Junior to Mid-level Legal Counsel (12‑month Fixed‑term)

About the role

Foodstuffs North Island is seeking a junior to intermediate lawyer (2‑5 years PQE) for a 12‑month fixed‑term position covering maternity leave. You will join a supportive, inclusive in‑house legal team and work closely with senior leaders across one of New Zealand’s largest retailers.

Key responsibilities

• Support the General Counsel, Associate General Counsel and other lawyers in managing the legal function of Foodstuffs NI and national Foodstuffs companies.
• Provide legal advice to the property team and manage external counsel on leasing documentation for a $2 billion+ property portfolio.
• Advise on high‑profile marketing campaigns, intellectual property, privacy matters and regulatory compliance, including the new Grocery Industry Competition Act.
• Assist with mergers and acquisitions, draft and review commercial and supply contracts, and handle company secretarial and corporate governance work.
• Participate in crisis management, litigation dispute management, and drive legal innovation and efficiency initiatives.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Law with at least 2 years post‑qualification experience from a reputable law firm.
• Ability to perform under pressure, flexible attitude and willingness to learn.
• Team‑player mindset with aspirations to develop leadership skills.
• Previous in‑house legal experience or secondment experience is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work within a high‑performing, well‑regarded in‑house legal team.
• Supportive environment with close mentorship from senior legal leaders.
• Exposure to a broad range of commercial, property, IP and regulatory matters in a major retail co‑operative.