Principal Counsel

Victoria University of Wellington; Wellington; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/remote-friendly

Job summary

TeHerenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington seeks a Principal Counsel to join the Employment Law and Employment Relations team on a permanent, full-time basis. Flexible to work one day from home.

Lead complex employment matters, advise senior leaders, and guide HR in policy and governance while ensuring legal compliance and risk management. Close date 13 September 2026; contact Katrina Leather for inquiries.

Qualifications

• Law degree with current practicing certificate.
• Broad range of practical experience in employment law/relations.
• Knowledge of university/tertiary/public environments is advantageous.
• HR principles to support managers in employment relationships.
• Proven ability to persuade and influence others.
• Excellent oral and written communication including negotiation.
• Experience producing high-quality MS Office reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic employment law advice to senior leaders on complex workforce issues.
• Lead management of workplace disputes, investigations, and regulatory proceedings.
• Partner with HR/business leaders to develop practical, risk-based solutions.
• Support collective bargaining and engagement with unions and staff representatives.
• Identify and manage employment law risks and track legislative changes.
• Oversee development/review of policies, contracts, and governance.
• Advise on privacy and official information obligations in employment matters.
• Build capability through thought leadership and coaching.

Skills

Employment law

Strategic advising

Stakeholder management

Communication

Policy development

Relationship building

HR principles

Reports (MS Office)

Education

Law degree

Practising certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

• Do you hold a law degree and a current practicing certificate?
• Can you build strong relationships, influence others, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing?
• Have you worked in employment law or employment relations within a tertiary, public, or private sector environment?

TeHerenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Principal Counsel to join the Employment Law and Employment Relations team in Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - Human Resources on a permanent, full-time basis.

There is flexibility to work one day a week from home.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic employment law advice to senior leaders on complex workforce, industrial relations, organisational change, and employee relations matters.
• Lead the management of significant workplace disputes, investigations, employment litigation, and regulatory proceedings, balancing legal, commercial, and reputational considerations.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to develop practical, risk-based solutions that enable organisational objectives while ensuring legal compliance.
• Support collective bargaining, consultation processes, and engagement with unions and employee representatives, providing expert legal and industrial relations guidance.
• Lead the identification and management of employment law risks, including monitoring legislative developments and translating legal change into practical organisational responses.
• Oversee the development and review of employment policies, agreements, contracts, and governance frameworks to maintain a contemporary and compliant employment environment.
• Provide expert advice on privacy, official information, and other statutory obligations relating to employment matters, ensuring timely and compliant responses.
• Build organisational capability through thought leadership, coaching, and expert guidance on employment law, workplace relations, and emerging people-related risks.

You will be a motivated, customer-focused individual who can take the initiative, provide excellent administration and policy compliance.

Key requirements:

• A law degree with current practicing certificate.
• Broad range of practical experience in employment law/relations gained in either a tertiary, private or public sector environment.
• Knowledge of current university, tertiary or public sector environments would be advantageous.
• Proven understanding of human resources principles and practices where the operating model is to support and enable managers to hold the employment relationship with their staff.
• Proven experience in managing relationships and ability to persuade and influence others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including presentation and negotiation skills.
• Experience producing high-quality reports and documents using Microsoft Office.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Close date for vacancy:13 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy:If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Katrina Leather ([e-mail]).

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Be part of a dynamic department dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative workplace. Engage in initiatives that prioritize staff wellbeing and professional growth. With a focus on health, safety, and a vibrant work culture, the Te Pūmanawa Tāngata - Human Resources team is where your career can thrive.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1010007
• Job Category Professional
• Posting Date 08/27/2026, 11:40 PM
• Apply Before 09/13/2026, 11:55 AM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations Level 3, Wellington, 6012, NZ (On-site)