Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships (PPP) role with the Department of Transport and Planning Victoria is a fixed-term opportunity until November 2027. You will provide expert, commercially focused legal advice on complex infrastructure and PPP matters across roads, public transport assets, and precinct developments, coordinating with legal, commercial and technical stakeholders.

You will draft and review documents, manage external advisers, and maintain strong relationships while

Qualifications

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria.
• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice on complex PPP matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate legal and commercial documents.
• Manage external legal advisers and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Identify emerging legal issues affecting transport operations and projects.

Skills

Legal drafting

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Admitted to Victorian BAR

4+ years PQE

PPP/Infrastructure experience

Job description

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About The Role

Fixed Term OPPORTUNITY until November 2027

The Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships (PPP) provides expert, commercially focused legal advice on complex infrastructure and PPP matters. The role supports major transport projects and services, including roads, public transport assets and precinct developments, across operations, contracts, disputes and commercial issues.

The role works closely with legal, commercial and technical stakeholders to manage risks, achieve value for money and support strategic objectives. It also involves drafting and reviewing legal documents, managing external legal advisers, maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, and identifying emerging legal issues that may affect transport operations and infrastructure.

What We’re Looking For

• Provides high-quality, independent legal advice on complex, sensitive and high-risk matters, applying sound judgement and considering broader business and operational impacts.
• Uses critical thinking and problem-solving to assess complex issues, manage risks and develop practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, influencing and negotiating effectively to gain support and achieve outcomes across diverse groups.
• Demonstrates resilience, collaboration and adaptability, remaining decisive under pressure and bringing people together to navigate challenges and change.
• Has strong legal drafting expertise, confidently drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal and transactional documents while managing legal and commercial risk.

Qualifications And Experience

You’ll bring:

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate (Mandatory).
• A minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience (Desirable)
• Experience in private practice, government or in-house with a broad range of commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably (Desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

For further information about the great opportunity, please contact Martin John, Senior Legal Counsel, Public Private Partnerships at [e-mail] or 0424 578 272

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered.

For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

Important information

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