Job Description
Mo tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
As a member of the Executive Management Team, the General Counsel will contribute to shaping the long-term vision and strategy for Council. You will be responsible for leading and developing a small legal team in identifying, assessing and proactively addressing potential legal risk across all areas of the organisation.
You will provide expert, objective and strategic legal advice to the Mayor, Councillors, Chief Executive and senior management on all aspects of local authority functions, general legal matters, and relevant new and existing statutes and regulations. You will oversee all legal matters, correspond with our external legal advisors, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, and mitigate legal risks.
Key Responsibilities:
Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents, including contracts, and agreements.
Ensure legal compliance with local and national regulations, including property and environmental law and planning consents.
Oversee dispute resolution and litigation matters, including managing external legal counsel when necessary.
Identify and manage legal risks to minimize exposure
Advise the executive team and Councillors on internal, legal strategy and governance issues.
Manage intellectual property, confidentiality agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
A great benefits package (including life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation, and relocation support where applicable).
A Salary range of $160,000 to $180,000 per annum (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer).
A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing
An environment where input, initiative and innovation are encouraged
A fantastic learning environment and support for professional development
Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you
To be successful you will:
Be a qualified New Zealand lawyer with a New Zealand practicing certificate, preferably with expertise in central or local government.
Have at least 5+ years’ PQ experience with a post-graduate qualification in law, management or public policy advantageous.
Have significant senior legal leadership experience.
Have experience in legal matter management and information governance systems.
Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
Have the ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Have an approachable personality with a proactive working style.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.
Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.
If you’re ready to make an impact in your community with Council
Applications close 5.00 pm on 13 April 2026.
For any additional information please reach out to Dean Heiford (Group Manager Council Operations) on [email protected]
As a member of the Executive Management Team, the General Counsel will contribute to shaping the long-term vision and strategy for Council. You will be responsible for leading and developing a small legal team in identifying, assessing and proactively addressing potential legal risk across all areas of the organisation.
You will provide expert, objective and strategic legal advice to the Mayor, Councillors, Chief Executive and senior management on all aspects of local authority functions, general legal matters, and relevant new and existing statutes and regulations. You will oversee all legal matters, correspond with our external legal advisors, ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, and mitigate legal risks.
Key Responsibilities:
Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of legal documents, including contracts, and agreements.
Ensure legal compliance with local and national regulations, including property and environmental law and planning consents.
Oversee dispute resolution and litigation matters, including managing external legal counsel when necessary.
Identify and manage legal risks to minimize exposure
Advise the executive team and Councillors on internal, legal strategy and governance issues.
Manage intellectual property, confidentiality agreements, and non-disclosure agreements.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
A great benefits package (including life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation, and relocation support where applicable).
A Salary range of $160,000 to $180,000 per annum (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer).
A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing
An environment where input, initiative and innovation are encouraged
A fantastic learning environment and support for professional development
Ko ngā wheako ōu | About you
To be successful you will:
Be a qualified New Zealand lawyer with a New Zealand practicing certificate, preferably with expertise in central or local government.
Have at least 5+ years’ PQ experience with a post-graduate qualification in law, management or public policy advantageous.
Have significant senior legal leadership experience.
Have experience in legal matter management and information governance systems.
Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly present legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.
Have the ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Have an approachable personality with a proactive working style.
Ko wai mātou | About us
Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.
Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.
If you’re ready to make an impact in your community with Council
Applications close 5.00 pm on 13 April 2026.
For any additional information please reach out to Dean Heiford (Group Manager Council Operations) on [email protected]
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The General Counsel position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Blenheim offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
