Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial at University of Auckland

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 Jun, 26

Salary

172000.0

Posted On

30 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Commercial Law, Contract Drafting, Intellectual Property, Confidentiality, Data Sharing, Commercial Risk Management, Commercialisation, Procurement, Partnership Arrangements, Legal Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Pragmatic Advice, Solutions-Focused Advice, Legal Literacy, Te Tiriti o Waitangi Compliance

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Company Description Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 9,000 staff and 50,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities. Job Description Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where your legal expertise will directly contribute to the University’s strategic and commercial success. As Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial, you’ll work across a wide range of matters, supporting research, enterprise, procurement, partnerships and innovation. You’ll be part of a collaborative legal team, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that enables the University’s teaching, research and engagement activities. This role offers the opportunity to work with purpose, influence outcomes, and support commercial initiatives that have real impact. Key responsibilities include: Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements. Advising on intellectual property, confidentiality, data sharing and commercial risk. Supporting commercialisation, innovation and revenue-generating activity. Providing legal input into procurement, funding and partnership arrangements. Partnering with senior leaders to manage legal risk and enable informed decision-making. Contributing to continuous improvement and legal literacy across the organisation. Upholding the University’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity outcomes. This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position. For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description He kōrero mōu | About you You’re a confident and capable legal professional with a strong background in commercial law, ideally within a large or complex organisation. You bring a pragmatic mindset and the ability to communicate clearly on high-impact matters. You demonstrate sound judgement, being able to work autonomously and know when to engage management on key matters. You’re aspirational, smart and commercially aware. Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys solving problems with purpose. You’re experienced working with ambiguity, knowing who and when to engage on key matters, managing competing priorities and building strong, collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. If you’re looking for a role where your legal expertise can help shape innovation and strategic partnerships, we’d love to hear from you. What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities. The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through: Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours) Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme A competitive salary ($160,000 - $172,000pa) with five weeks’ annual leave In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services. For more information, please visit Staff Benefits Additional Information Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Sunday 19th April, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above. For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Joshua Chapman [email protected] Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. Equity The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz Campus: Auckland City Campus Position Number: 60010258 UoA Department Name: Governance and Risk

Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Counsel will draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements while advising on intellectual property, confidentiality, data sharing, and commercial risk across research, enterprise, procurement, partnerships, and innovation activities. This role involves partnering with senior leaders to manage legal risk and support revenue-generating initiatives.