Principal Legal Officer (Government/Commercial)

State Government | Commercial | Work-Life Balance | Sydney CBD

Your new company

We are delighted to partner with a highly regarded public sector organisation on the recruitment of a Principal Legal Officer (Commercial) to support the delivery of a major state-wide program. The role involves complex commercial advisory work and requires someone who is comfortable providing guidance on commercial matters with both operational and strategic considerations.

Your new role

As the Principal Legal Officer, you will act as the organisation’s subject-matter expert on commercial law, providing high‑level legal advice across:
  • Commercial transactions and procurement of goods and services
  • Complex, high‑risk commercial matters
  • Contract and supplier dispute resolution
  • Risk identification in procurement and contract management
  • Development of legal practice guidance and training materials for internal stakeholders
You will work closely with senior executives and operational teams to support delivery of a large‑scale event in 2027, along with ongoing regulatory and business-as-usual activities.

What you'll need to succeed

  • Strong experience managing complex commercial legal matters in a jurisdiction comparable to NSW
  • Demonstrated expertise in commercial law
  • Ability to provide timely, accurate legal advice in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience engaging and managing external legal service providers
  • Capacity to develop documentation, guidance materials, or training on commercial legal matters

Desirable:
  • Experience advising or working within government
  • Knowledge of public or administrative law

Mandatory:
  • Relevant tertiary legal qualifications
  • Current NSW practising certificate (or ability to obtain before commencement)
  • Ability to meet political neutrality requirements
  • Satisfactory criminal record check

What you'll get in return

  • Fixed term contract until June 2027 with potential to be extended
  • Work/life balance including a 35‑hour week, flex leave and generous leave conditions
  • Hybrid working
  • Opportunity to be part of a high‑profile, large-scale public program that directly benefits the community
  • Professional development through structured training and LinkedIn Learning
  • EAP support and staff wellbeing initiatives
  • Social events and opportunities to collaborate with a high-performing legal team
  • Convenient CBD office close to public transport
  • Access to fitness and health perks (e.g., Fitness Passport, flu vaccinations)

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Laura on 0280626176 or email laura.keegan@hays.com.au.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.


LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Government & Public Services
Location
NSW - Sydney CBD
Specialism
Legal
Ref:
2977232

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Laura Keegan, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Sydney
Level 13, Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square

Telephone: 0280626176