ABOUT THE ROLE:
Fleetwood Australia is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Legal Counsel to join our Commercial & Legal team, based at our Head Office in the Sydney CBD. Reporting directly to the General Counsel & Company Secretary, this key role offers the opportunity to provide expert legal guidance to senior leadership and business units across the group. You will play a critical part in managing complex legal matters, supporting major transactions, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. As a trusted advisor, you will balance legal considerations with business objectives, driving meaningful change and facilitating high-level decision-making.
This position requires an individual with a robust understanding of commercial contracts, corporate governance, risk management, and dispute resolution. You will be responsible for drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements, managing external legal counsel, and staying ahead of legal developments relevant to the business. The Senior Legal Counsel will also mentor key stakeholders in contract management, collaborate cross-functionally, and support Fleetwood’s ongoing growth through effective legal strategies.
If you are a results-driven, solutions-oriented legal professional with a strong commercial mindset and the ability to influence at all levels, we invite you to apply and become an integral part of our leadership team at Fleetwood Australia.
THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE ARE TO:
- Provide high-quality, timely legal advice and support to business units on a wide range of legal and regulatory issues.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, supply & service agreements, construction contracts, accommodation agreements, NDAs, and licensing contracts.
- Lead and support major transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
- Advise on corporate governance, risk management, and compliance matters.
- Manage external legal counsel and coordinate external legal services when required.
- Monitor and interpret changes in laws and regulations relevant to the business, ensuring appropriate internal communication and implementation.
- Handle pre-litigation and litigation matters, including dispute resolution and settlement strategies.
- Develop and deliver training to internal stakeholders on key legal and compliance topics.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as HR, Finance, and Risk to support organisational goals.
- Maintain a library of legal precedents in collaboration with the Commercial & Legal team.
- Mentor commercial managers, contract administrators and other related roles in sound contract management and administration practices.
- Identify potential improvements to existing policies and procedures.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL DEMONSTRATE:
- Licensed to practice law in Australia
- Minimum 7–10 years of post-qualification legal experience, including significant in-house counsel experience (or equivalent).
- Experience within a matrix organisation.
- Experience working in a collaborative and relationship-based client environment.
- Background in the successful negotiation of forms of contract with an acceptable risk profile in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Demonstrated commercial acumen and awareness, with an emphasis on working collaboratively and building strong relationships.
- Understanding of the Australian construction market and its forms of contract.
- Ability to develop and implement effective commercial strategies on major bids.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Attention to detail in all aspects of work.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to navigate competing priorities and manage expectations effectively.
- Strong educational background.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a team.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.