Senior Defence Contracts Counsel (Australia)

Trinzic; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place To Work

Flexible working

Competitive salary with annual reviews

Paid parental leave

Income protection

Corporate rewards

Salary packaging/Novated leasing

Employee stock purchase plans

Wellness benefits

Job summary

KBR in Australia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead strategic legal initiatives across Defence projects. Based in Australia, you will provide commercial advice, manage high‑value matters, and navigate government contracting and regulatory challenges.

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal, you will build governance frameworks, mentor junior lawyers, and ensure compliant, pragmatic guidance that enables major bids and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Admitted as an Australian legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification experience, including in-house.
• Deep expertise in Australian Government contracting, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising on complex negotiations, joint ventures, disputes and strategic projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with pragmatic, business-focused guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal services across KBR's Australian operations, supporting Defence projects.
• Provide strategic legal advice on high-risk and business-critical matters.
• Draft, negotiate, review and approve complex government and quasi-government contracts.
• Partner with leaders on bids, tenders, and contracting strategy.
• Advise on Australian Government contracting frameworks, including fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts.
• Support strategic transactions such as joint ventures and alliances.
• Oversee disputes, claims and investigations with external counsel as needed.
• Develop and implement legal policies, templates and governance frameworks.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across functions.
• Manage allocated legal budgets and external spend.

Skills

Strategic legal leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Team mentorship

Business acumen

Communication skills

Education

Admitted Australian legal practitioner

Job description

KBR in Australia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead strategic legal initiatives across Defence projects. Based in Australia, you will provide commercial advice, manage high‑value matters, and navigate government contracting and regulatory challenges.

Reporting to the Vice President, Legal, you will build governance frameworks, mentor junior lawyers, and ensure compliant, pragmatic guidance that enables major bids and partnerships.