Commercial Solicitor

About the role

As a Commercial Solicitor you will enable Tauranga City Council to achieve its strategic objectives by delivering solution‑focused legal advice, ensuring compliance with legislation and mitigating legal risk.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice across commercial, infrastructure, construction, development, professional services, health and safety, privacy, technology and general council operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Collaborate with legal, property, procurement and commercial teams to ensure a consistent approach to legal matters.
• Partner with the Privacy Officer to advise on privacy obligations, assess privacy risk and strengthen council‑wide privacy practices.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised New Zealand law school.
• Current New Zealand Law Society Practising Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience in commercial contracts, procurement, infrastructure, construction, professional services, technology, health and safety, privacy and council operations.
• Proven judgement and ability to negotiate commercially‑focused outcomes.
• Understanding of statutory requirements for local authorities (advantageous, not essential).
• Previous in‑house experience and ability to connect effectively with colleagues (advantageous, not essential).

Required skills

What we offer

• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Flexible working hours and work‑from‑home options.
• Career development opportunities.