Senior In-House Counsel – Defence & Government Contracts

Mars Recruitment; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place To Work

Flexible working

Competitive salary

Job summary

KBR Australia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead the Australian legal function, partnering with senior leaders on Defence projects and strategic initiatives. This role blends strategic advisory work with hands-on contract drafting, negotiation and governance in a high‑risk regulatory context.

You will shape commercial outcomes, manage complex disputes, and drive policies and templates to support business growth while upholding compliance and security requirements.

Qualifications

• Admission as an Australian legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive post‑qualification experience, including significant in‑house legal experience.
• Deep expertise in Australian Government contracting, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising on complex commercial negotiations, joint ventures, disputes and strategic projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with pragmatic, business‑focused legal advice.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of legal services across KBR's Australian operations for Defence projects.
• Provide strategic legal advice balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes.
• Draft, negotiate, review and approve complex commercial and government contracts.
• Partner with business leaders on bids, tenders and contracting strategy.
• Oversee disputes, investigations and coordination with external counsel.

Skills

Contract negotiation

In-house experience

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Education

Australian legal practitioner admission

Job description

KBR Australia is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to lead the Australian legal function, partnering with senior leaders on Defence projects and strategic initiatives. This role blends strategic advisory work with hands-on contract drafting, negotiation and governance in a high‑risk regulatory context.

You will shape commercial outcomes, manage complex disputes, and drive policies and templates to support business growth while upholding compliance and security requirements.