Legal Counsel

The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research; Lincoln; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research – Lincoln, South Island is seeking a pragmatic Legal Counsel to join the Legal Team and provide trusted, practical advice across the Bioeconomy Science Institute. The role focuses on commercial contracts, negotiation and risk management, working with leaders across science and corporate functions.

The position is permanent and full time, based at Auckland or Lincoln sites, reporting to the Deputy General Counsel or a Principal Legal Counsel.

Qualifications

• Must hold a law degree and admission, or immediate eligibility for admission, as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand.
• At least three years’ relevant commercial law experience, gained in private practice or in-house.
• Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice for diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable working through complex issues with sound judgement and balancing opportunity with risk.

Responsibilities

• Advise on a broad range of commercial matters with a focus on contracts, negotiation and risk management.
• Review and draft agreements, develop fit-for-purpose contractual solutions, and support improvements to contracting processes and templates.
• Provide legal advice in other practice areas as required.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Clear communication

Pragmatic problem solving

Relationship building

Independent worker

Education

Law degree and NZ admission or eligibility

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research – Lincoln, South Island

Legal Counsel
Auckland or Lincoln based
Permanent

We are looking for a pragmatic and commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our Legal Team and provide trusted, practical legal advice across the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

Working with leaders and teams across our science and corporate functions, you will advise on a broad range of commercial matters, with a particular focus on contracts, negotiation and managing legal and commercial risk. You will review and draft agreements, develop fit-for-purpose contractual solutions, support improvements to contracting processes and templates, and provide legal advice in other practice areas where required.

This is an opportunity to work in a varied in-house legal role within a unique science organisation, where you will need to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical advice that enables the organisation to achieve its objectives while appropriately managing risk.

This position is permanent and full time, reports to the Deputy General Counsel or a Principal Legal Counsel, and can be based at our Auckland or Lincoln sites.

You will be a commercially astute lawyer with a law degree and admission, or immediate eligibility for admission, as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand. You will bring at least three years’ relevant commercial law experience, gained in private practice or an in-house environment.

You will have strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and the confidence to provide clear, practical advice to people with varying levels of legal and commercial experience. You will be comfortable working through complex issues, applying sound legal judgement and finding pragmatic solutions that balance opportunity with risk.

You will also bring:

• Strong commercial acumen and sound legal judgement.
• Excellent contract drafting, review and negotiation skills.
• The ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly and concisely.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
• The ability to understand and integrate scientific, technical and commercial concepts into agreements.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and the confidence to work with a diverse range of professionals and senior stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently while knowing when to seek input or escalation matters.

Enjoy a range of benefits that support your wellbeing, professional development, flexibility, and work-life balance, helping you build a rewarding and sustainable career with us.

Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:

We're building something new. On 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion came together to form the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Now, we are more than 2200 people working to support the growth and resilience of the bioeconomy in New Zealand and beyond.

Together, our world‑class science can do more to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio‑based technologies and products.

Enquiries about the position may be directed to Nick Barraclough, General Counsel, ***************@agresearch.co.nz. For further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.

Applications close on 27 September 2026 at 11pm NZT