General Counsel and Company Secretary

at; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Volkswagen Group Australia is seeking a Legal Advisor to ensure legal integrity across operations. This role involves guiding internal stakeholders on various legal matters, representing the company in litigation, and managing external counsel, all while supporting compliant business strategies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Access to the VGA Car Lease Program

Paid parental leave of up to 20 weeks

Access to LinkedIn Learning

Annual fitness and wellbeing subsidy

Discounts on car purchases for Audi, Cupra, and more

Free zoo entry for family

Office in a state-of-the-art building with onsite parking

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years' experience in the active practice of law after graduation.
• Current NSW Practising Certificate.
• Detailed knowledge of the regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Advise on commercial contracts and compliance.
• Represent VGA in litigation and regulatory investigations.

Skills

Advisory skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Law

Job description

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Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, employing more than 600,000 people globally and selling its vehicles in more than 150 countries. The wholly-owned subsidiary has its National Sales Centre based in Sydney home to some of Australia's most recognisable brands which include Audi, CUPRA, Skoda and Volkswagen.

About your new Role

In this role, you will report to the Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) and play a key part in ensuring the legal integrity of our operations across the Group. Based at our Zetland Head Office, you'll provide expert legal advice and structure guidance on a broad range of matters including commercial transactions, litigation, marketing, competition and consumer law, logistics, property and compliance.

Working across VGA, you'll help shape business strategies that are not only commercially sound but legally robust. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders and manage external counsel when needed, ensuring risks are effectively assessed and legal matters are resolved efficiently. Your contribution will help drive compliant, low-risk, and forward-thinking business practices across VGA.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Provide legal guidance to internal stakeholders including Directors, Customer Care, Area Managers and Technical Specialists
• Provide commercially focused legal advice across sales, marketing, logistics, recalls, procurement, IT, property, homologation, and competition law
• Oversee insurance and risk management matters, ensuring timely and effective resolution
• Support broader legal areas including Risk and Compliance as required
• Assess, manage and determine VGA's legal risk position across all mattersleadership on the impact of current and emerging laws, regulations, court decisions, and VW AG policies
• Advise VW AG on how Australian laws impact global policies and investigations
• Review, negotiate and provide risk assessments for commercial contracts within your portfolio
• Represent VGA in litigation, regulatory investigations, and disputes across courts, tribunals, and with regulators such as ACCC and ASIC
• Review and approve advertising and marketing materials for compliance with Australian laws; manage regulatory complaints (e.g. Ad Standards Board)
• Draft and maintain legal documentation including dealer agreements, facility programs, and sales/service bulletins
• Evaluate legal exposures to support accurate financial reporting and compliance with Corporations Law
• Manage relationships with external law firms and maintain an approved legal panel
• Serve as Company Secretary and Public Officer across relevant VGA entities
• Take ownership of crisis response, major litigation, and Board-level legal matters
• Represent VGA in the FCAI Legal and Importer Committee
• Coordinate legal response with global Volkswagen Group brands on significant legal issues and investigations

About you

• Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in law with relevant and direct, hands on experience which successfully demonstrates the required capabilities
• Current NSW (or equivalent) Practising Certificate
• Detailed knowledge of the regulatory environment and its operational implications
• Strong advisory, communication and leadership skills
• Practical problem solving skills with an operational and commercially minded focus
• 10 to 15 years' experience in the active practice of law after graduation
• Practical automotive related experience in relevant subject areas demonstrated by a successful track record
• Strong advisory and communication skills

Our Benefits, Rewards and Recognition include:

• Flexible working arrangements with our hybrid work model balance office and home for ways of working along with remote location working arrangements for up to 10 days anywhere in Australia
• Access to the VGA Car Lease Program
• Additional leave including VGA Day paid leave day, birthday leave and paid parental leave of up to 20 weeks at full pay
• A culture of continuous learning, growth and development. You will receive access to LinkedIn Learning and personal development opportunities which is why over 25% of our vacancies are filled by internal candidates!
• Annual fitness and wellbeing subsidy towards a facility of your choice
• Discounts on Audi, Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen car purchases
• Free entry to Dubbo and Taronga Zoo for you and your family
• Work in an award winning state of the art newly refurbished building recognised by Master Builders Association Australia - our offices include onsite parking and a convenient location with close proximity to a train station

Why Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA)?

Working at VGA provides opportunities for growth, personal development, and career opportunities, we also champion a workplace culture that thrives on passion, collaboration, efficiency, mindfulness, authenticity, and innovation.

If this sounds like the role and place for you to drive your career to great heights with a world-class organisation,APPLY NOW!

Volkswagen Group Australia is an equal opportunity employer in each jurisdiction that it operates. We encourage and value applications from all diverse perspectives, experience and backgrounds.

To support our desire to create alocal talent pipeline, this role is only available for individuals who have permanent work rights in Australia.

Successful applicants will be required to complete background checks through our external provider as a condition of employment.

If we can provide support with access requirements throughout the recruitment process or answer any role specific enquiries, please reach out to the VGA HR Team

Unlock job insights

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics 101-1,000 employees

Volkswagen hit the road in Australia in 1953 with the arrival of the very first Beetle. Volkswagen is proud of its history and is focused on developing new models, services and technologies for Australian's to enjoy.

VOLKSWAGEN’s aim is not only a commitment to producing vehicles of the utmost quality, but to better the lives of our customers.

Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, employing more than 600,000 people globally and selling its vehicles in more than 150 countries. The wholly-owned subsidiary has its National Sales Centre based in Sydney home to some of Australia's most recognisable brands which include Audi, CUPRA, Skoda and Volkswagen.

Volkswagen hit the road in Australia in 1953 with the arrival of the very first Beetle. Volkswagen is proud of its history and is focused on developing new models, services and technologies for Australian's to enjoy.

VOLKSWAGEN’s aim is not only a commitment to producing vehicles of the utmost quality, but to better the lives of our customers.

Volkswagen Group is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, employing more than 600,000 people globally and selling its vehicles in more than 150 countries. The wholly-owned subsidiary has its National Sales Centre based in Sydney home to some of Australia's most recognisable brands which include Audi, CUPRA, Skoda and Volkswagen.