Job Description
Full job description
In-House Legal Counsel Role
Wide Variety of Commercial Legal Responsibilities
Great Opportunity to Influence Across a Wide and Diverse Business
About the role:
Reporting to our experienced General Counsel and based in or Christchurch head office, we have a rare opportunity to join the legal team at Yili Oceania as our in-house Legal Counsel. You will be working across a wide range of legal issues/areas and this role will give you exposure at the highest level of this dynamic and growing group, where your expertise, guidance, and decision-making will be a critical part of our continued success. You will be a pragmatic and confident lawyer who is solutions focussed and not afraid to challenge the status-quo - keen to build on your experience and develop a reputation for providing timely, credible and expert advice on a wide range of legal, contractual and compliance issues across the group.
Ideal applicants will possess:
Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) along with a current practising certificate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
At least 2-4 years' post-admission experience
Exposure to a wide variety of legal disciplines including Contract & Commercial, Property and IP
Well-developed commercial acumen together with excellent negotiation skills
The ability to deliver expert and confident legal advice with sound judgement and assertiveness
The ability to problem-solve, take initiative and deal with a fast-changing environment
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
About the Company:
Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island with offices and production facilities based in both Christchurch and Hokitika.
Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition (Rolleston), Canary Foods (Hamilton) and EasiYo (Auckland) form a group that we refer to as the Yili Oceania group. The combined business produces over 170,000mt of finished goods which are then exported to over 40 countries, driving annual revenue well in excess of $1.3B - and growing.
What's in it for you?
Salary plus Company incentive scheme
Health insurance
Life insurance
Free parking
Career development
Employee assistance & wellbeing programs
Enhanced parental leave provisions
+ Delicious discounted grass-fed butter!!!
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a large and complex organisation as its group companies continue to evolve and synergise.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application through our careers page at westlandcareers.co.nz. For further details, please refer to the accompanying position description available on the site.
Applications close on 21st September 2026. Please note that this advertisement may close earlier than the listed closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted earlier than the closing date.
Applicants must have valid work rights in New Zealand to be considered.
Job Details
Reference #
32394
Posted on
04 Sep 2026
Closes on
21 Sep 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Christchurch - Hornby
Expertise
Legal
Job level(s)
Experienced
Work type(s)
Permanent
In-House Legal Counsel Role
Wide Variety of Commercial Legal Responsibilities
Great Opportunity to Influence Across a Wide and Diverse Business
About the role:
Reporting to our experienced General Counsel and based in or Christchurch head office, we have a rare opportunity to join the legal team at Yili Oceania as our in-house Legal Counsel. You will be working across a wide range of legal issues/areas and this role will give you exposure at the highest level of this dynamic and growing group, where your expertise, guidance, and decision-making will be a critical part of our continued success. You will be a pragmatic and confident lawyer who is solutions focussed and not afraid to challenge the status-quo - keen to build on your experience and develop a reputation for providing timely, credible and expert advice on a wide range of legal, contractual and compliance issues across the group.
Ideal applicants will possess:
Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) along with a current practising certificate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
At least 2-4 years' post-admission experience
Exposure to a wide variety of legal disciplines including Contract & Commercial, Property and IP
Well-developed commercial acumen together with excellent negotiation skills
The ability to deliver expert and confident legal advice with sound judgement and assertiveness
The ability to problem-solve, take initiative and deal with a fast-changing environment
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
About the Company:
Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island with offices and production facilities based in both Christchurch and Hokitika.
Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition (Rolleston), Canary Foods (Hamilton) and EasiYo (Auckland) form a group that we refer to as the Yili Oceania group. The combined business produces over 170,000mt of finished goods which are then exported to over 40 countries, driving annual revenue well in excess of $1.3B - and growing.
What's in it for you?
Salary plus Company incentive scheme
Health insurance
Life insurance
Free parking
Career development
Employee assistance & wellbeing programs
Enhanced parental leave provisions
+ Delicious discounted grass-fed butter!!!
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a large and complex organisation as its group companies continue to evolve and synergise.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application through our careers page at westlandcareers.co.nz. For further details, please refer to the accompanying position description available on the site.
Applications close on 21st September 2026. Please note that this advertisement may close earlier than the listed closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted earlier than the closing date.
Applicants must have valid work rights in New Zealand to be considered.
Job Details
Reference #
32394
Posted on
04 Sep 2026
Closes on
21 Sep 2026 23:55
Location(s)
Christchurch - Hornby
Expertise
Legal
Job level(s)
Experienced
Work type(s)
Permanent
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Legal Counsel position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Canterbury 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.
