Senior Legal Counsel (12 month contract)

Broad commercial focused Senior Legal Counsel opportunity with an innovative R&D organisation | North Sydney

Your new company

This organisation operates at the intersection of industry and government, partnering with key stakeholders to deliver impactful programs, research, and services that drive innovation, sustainability, and long-term sector growth. With a strong commitment to integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, it plays a critical role in supporting a nationally significant industry and fostering global competitiveness.

Your new role

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will act as a trusted legal advisor to the business, providing high-quality commercial legal support across a broad range of matters.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide variety of commercial contracts, including research, funding, consultancy, technology, licensing, and data-sharing agreements;
  • Providing pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice aligned with business objectives and risk appetite;
  • Identifying legal risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies across the organisation;
  • Supporting contract management processes to ensure efficiency and compliance;
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, senior leaders, and external advisors;
  • Delivering legal training and contributing to continuous improvement of legal templates, processes, and playbooks;
  • Managing competing priorities while maintaining a high level of service delivery.

This is a broad and hands-on role requiring strong commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.


What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will bring:
  • A law degree with approximately 8+ years’ post-qualification experience, gained in-house or within a reputable law firm
  • A current unrestricted practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
  • Strong experience across commercial contracts and a solid understanding of intellectual property considerations
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
  • The ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical advice for non-legal stakeholders
  • Strong stakeholder management skills and a customer-focused approach
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality


What you'll get in return

In return, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Work within a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation making a meaningful industry impact;
  • Partner closely with experienced senior leaders and contribute to strategic decision-making;
  • Gain exposure to a diverse range of legal matters in a dynamic and evolving environment;
  • Influence legal processes, frameworks, and best practices;
  • Enjoy a supportive culture focused on professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This role is based in a convenient location in North Sydney which is close to public transport and offers the opportunity to work from home up to 3 days a week.


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. Alternatively, you can email your CV to Tina Kokkalis at tina.kokkalis@hays.com.au or call her on (02) 8062 6111 for a confidential discussion.

If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

At Hays, we value diversity and are passionate about placing people in a role where they can flourish and succeed. We actively encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.


LHS 297508

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Scientific and R&D
Location
NSW - Northern Sydney
Specialism
Legal
Ref:
3000110

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Tina Kokkalis, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Sydney
Level 14, Chifley Tower, 2 Chifley Square

Telephone: 0280626111

Similar jobs to Senior Legal Counsel (12 month contract)

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    Support an NFP organisation on a 12 month FTC basis | Mix of general commercial and employment law matters
    NSW - Northern Sydney

  • Senior Solicitor / Inhouse Legal

    Senior Solicitor wanted for an in-house insurance legal role to lead a team.
    NSW - Northern Sydney

  • Scrum Master

    12 month contract for a Scrum Master to join a digital and business transformation program.
    NSW - Newcastle