"Senior Legal Counsel (Property and Construction)"

Job Description

• Do you have proven experience in property and construction law?
• Are you a motivated individual who can take the initiative while working independently?
• Have you got great communication skills with the ability to advise and support decision-makers in relation to legal obligations?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Senior Legal Counsel (Property and Construction) to join the Legal Services team in Toi Ōhanga - Office of the Chief Operating Officer on a permanent basis. This role is based on site at the Kelburn campus in Wellington with flexible working arrangements available by negotiation.

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington operates across three main campuses and multiple specialist sites, with over 160 buildings and 215,000 m² of academic space. Our refreshed Campus Master Plan provides a strategic framework to align property decisions with the University’s mission and long-term goals, ensuring flexibility to adapt to emerging trends and challenges.

You will play a key role in supporting property transactions, leases, and compliance for assets ranging from heritage buildings to modern facilities, contributing to a portfolio that spans varied conditions and construction eras. This is an opportunity to work on high-impact projects that safeguard our infrastructure and enable a sustainable, resilient future.

Legal Services are a small team who are dedicated to supporting staff across the University to manage legal matters. We pride ourselves on a collegial approach that ensures we support each other as a team and have fun as we work.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational legal advice, guidance, coaching and practical assistance on all the University’s property and construction matters.
• Advise and support decision-makers in relation to University Policy and legal obligations.
• Support the development and review of property and construction policies that enable the University to effectively address operational requirements and comply with its legal obligations.
• Support the Legal Services team to deliver a wide range of legal services.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will be a motivated, client-focused individual who can take the initiative, provide excellent legal advice on property and construction matters and have the ability to work independently with a range of stakeholders.

Key requirements:

• Ability to work independently.
• Experience in property and construction law.
• Outstanding people and communication skills including the ability to adjust to different audiences.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 31 January 2026.

Please note we will be interviewing through the application period and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the closing date.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Jackie Anderson, General Counsel (jackie.anderson@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.