Market Counsel (General Counsel), IBM Australia/ New Zealand

IBM Computing; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Market Counsel for its operations in Australia/New Zealand. This role involves providing comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance, covering corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and litigation. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of legal experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. The position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to business growth while ensuring compliance and managing risks in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15+ years of legal experience in senior leadership roles.
• Admission to practice in Australia required.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal function and provide strategic guidance across A/NZ.
• Partner with business leaders to structure complex transactions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and IBM global policies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Commercial contracting

Regulatory compliance

Litigation

Corporate governance

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Law degree

Job description

Introduction

At IBM Legal, Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel, we provide the guidance and oversight that enable IBM to innovate responsibly and operate with integrity. Our teams manage complex legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across the globe. Ensuring trust with clients, partners, and communities. Working in Legal and Regulatory Affairs means tackling diverse challenges, from intellectual property and data privacy to corporate governance and ethical business practices. You’ll collaborate with colleagues worldwide to protect IBM’s interests while supporting growth and innovation. With continuous learning, global exposure, and opportunities to shape the future of technology through law and policy, IBM offers a unique environment to build your career while making a meaningful impact.

Your role and responsibilities

• The Market Counsel for IBM Australia/New Zealand will lead the legal function and provide comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance to IBM’s business operations across A/NZ. This role covers all legal matters, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, litigation, commercial contracting, risk management, AI, data protection, cybersecurity, and general corporate issues.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling business growth while managing risk, fostering a high-performance culture, and responding to rapidly evolving regulatory requirements. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with IBM’s global legal team and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Based in Sydney, this is an exciting opportunity to influence IBM’s business strategy in one of the most dynamic markets, while contributing to global initiatives and shaping the future of legal operations.

Team Leadership

Lead and develop a team of legal professionals across A/NZ. Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and growth mindset. Mentor emerging leaders and ensure succession planning.

Strategic Legal Advisory

Provide proactive, commercially focused legal advice on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, disputes, M&A, commercial contracts, intellectual property, AI, data protection, and cybersecurity. Act as a trusted adviser to IBM A/NZ leadership.

Business Enablement & Growth

Partner with business leaders to structure complex transactions, accelerate deal cycles, and enable competitive positioning while balancing risk and opportunity.

Compliance & Regulatory Affairs

Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and IBM global policies. Monitor and respond to evolving regulations in areas such as privacy, AI, and cybersecurity. Engage with regulators and industry bodies as needed.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Oversee litigation strategy and manage disputes to protect IBM’s interests. Drive proactive risk mitigation and avoidable loss prevention.

Process Simplification & Technology Adoption

Champion simplification initiatives tied to measurable business outcomes. Lead adoption of legal technology and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and impact.

Global Collaboration

Work closely with IBM’s global legal team and contribute to enterprise-wide projects. Represent IBM A/NZ in regional and global forums to share best practices and influence global strategy.

External Thought Leadership

Engage in industry forums, regulatory roundtables, and legal tech conferences to position IBM as a leader in compliance, AI, and innovation.

Required technical and professional expertise

• Law degree from a recognized institution; admission to practice in Australia.
• Minimum 15+ years of legal experience, including senior leadership roles in multinational corporations or top-tier law firms.
• Proven expertise in commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, litigation, and corporate governance.
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance legal risk with strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills; ability to engage at executive level.
• Experience negotiating complex deals with government and commercial entities.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.