Senior Legal Function Transformation Lead

Ashurst Perkins Coie Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Place To Work

Flexible working

Paid parental leave

Income protection

Career development

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel (Australia) to lead legal services for Defence projects across Australia. You will provide strategic, commercial-focused guidance, manage high‑risk matters, and partner with senior business leaders to shape outcomes.

The role is based in Australia with eligibility for a Baseline security clearance and involves governance across multiple states. The ideal candidate will be admitted in Australia with extensive in-house experience, deep knowledge of government

Qualifications

• Admitted Australian legal practitioner with current practising certificate.
• Extensive post-qualification in-house legal experience.
• Deep expertise in Australian Government contracting and regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising on complex commercial negotiations, joint ventures, disputes and strategic projects.
• Strong commercial acumen with pragmatic, business-focused advice.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leadership.
• Mentoring and leadership capabilities in a legal team.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of legal services across Australian operations, supporting Defence projects.
• Provide strategic advice on complex, high-risk matters balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes.
• Draft, negotiate, review and approve complex government and quasi-government contracts.
• Partner with business leaders on major bids and tenders, advising on strategy and risk.
• Advise on Australian Government contracting and procurement frameworks.
• Oversee disputes, claims and investigations, coordinating with external counsel as needed.
• Drive policy development, processes, templates and governance frameworks.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across functions.
• Manage allocated legal budgets in line with governance and delegation requirements.

Skills

Australian legal practitioner

In-house legal experience

Australian Government contracting

Commercial negotiations

Stakeholder management

Education

Legal Practising Certificate (Australia)

Job description

KBR is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel (Australia) to lead legal services for Defence projects across Australia. You will provide strategic, commercial-focused guidance, manage high‑risk matters, and partner with senior business leaders to shape outcomes.

The role is based in Australia with eligibility for a Baseline security clearance and involves governance across multiple states. The ideal candidate will be admitted in Australia with extensive in-house experience, deep knowledge of government