Senior Legal Counsel (Generalist)

About the role

This senior legal counsel position supports international expansion, complex transactions and regulatory compliance for a fast‑moving, collaborative business environment in New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end legal support for international expansion initiatives, including entity structuring, market entry strategy, regulatory approvals and operational launch across multiple jurisdictions.
• Draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements such as trading, technology, vendor, service and partnership contracts.
• Support corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, investment structures and related due diligence.
• Own cross‑functional legal projects, collaborating with compliance, finance, operations, HR and senior leadership to deliver business‑aligned solutions.
• Monitor evolving regulatory frameworks and translate developments into clear guidance for internal stakeholders.
• Manage licensing, regulatory obligations and ongoing compliance in regulated jurisdictions.
• Act as trusted advisor on commercial, regulatory, employment and people‑related matters, engaging directly with executive leadership.
• Coordinate external counsel to ensure high‑quality, cost‑efficient legal outcomes.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with at least 7 years of post‑qualification experience.
• Background in a top‑tier law firm or leading international/regional practice.
• Proven ability to handle complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters independently from initiation through completion.
• Strong commercial mindset and ability to align legal advice with business objectives and risk appetite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of simplifying complex legal concepts.
• Highly organized, deadline‑driven and able to manage competing priorities in fast‑paced environments.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Google Workspace.
• Experience using AI platforms such as Gemini or Claude.