Senior Legal Counsel - Employment Relations

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent local government authority in Auckland is seeking a senior employment lawyer to provide legal advice on employment and industrial relations matters. This role involves navigating complex risks and influencing policy across a diverse workforce. Candidates should have at least seven years of experience and possess a strong background in employment law. The environment promotes diversity and well-being, offering flexible working conditions.

Benefits

Flexible working conditions

Focus on well-being

Culture of continuous improvement

Qualifications

• At least seven years of relevant experience in employment law practice or in-house counsel roles.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality legal advice.
• Ability to manage risk and provide customer-focused solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice across the Council and its controlled organisations.
• Guide strategy on sensitive employment matters and resolve disputes.
• Support collective bargaining and influence employment relations practice.

Skills

Legal expertise in employment law

Strong communication skills

Risk management

Building trusted relationships

Education

LLB, admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor

Job description

• Senior in-house legal role focused on employment law and industrial relations
• Deliver high-quality legal services across a diverse and multi-faceted organisation
• Join a supportive and collaborative team

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced employment lawyer to join our in-house team as a trusted advisor on all aspects of employment and industrial relations. In this senior role, you’ll provide high-quality, practical and defensible legal advice across the Council and its Council-Controlled Organisations, ensuring complex issues are managed with confidence and care.

You’ll be responsible for helping the organisation navigate employment law and industrial relations risks, partnering with leaders to strike the right balance between risk and operational needs. From guiding strategy on sensitive matters to resolving disputes and supporting collective bargaining, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how employment relations are managed across one of New Zealand’s largest and most diverse workforces.

This is a great opportunity to influence employment relations practice at scale, deliver fit-for-purpose legal solutions and contribute to the success of an organisation that serves Auckland.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’ll be a qualified lawyer (LLB, admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor) with at least seven years’ relevant experience, ideally gained in employment law practice or in-house counsel roles. With strong expertise in both employment and industrial relations, you’ll bring consistently high technical skills and a track record of delivering clear, practical advice.

Success in this role will come from your ability to anticipate and manage risk, provide customer-focused solutions, and influence outcomes across a large and complex organisation. You’ll be an excellent communicator who can build trusted relationships, demonstrate sound judgment under pressure, and bring leadership, professionalism, and integrity to every challenge.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our benefits

A copy of the position description can be viewed HERE

Applications close Tuesday, 9th September 2025

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.