Principal Legal Counsel - Auckland | Wellington

 

• Play a Critical Role in KiwiRail’s Transformation
• 2x permanent full-time roles with flexible working options
• Based in Auckland or Wellington

 

Position Description

 

He kōrero mō mātou | About Us

At KiwiRail, we are shaping the future of New Zealand’s transport system — creating stronger connections for our cities, regions, communities and economy. As a State-Owned Enterprise with a proud history of more than 150 years, rail continues to play a vital role in enabling sustainable growth and supporting Aotearoa’s future. Guided by our purpose Hononga Whaikaha, Oranga mō Aotearoa (Stronger Connections, Better New Zealand), we are delivering significant transformation across rail and ferry services. This is an opportunity to join an organisation where your expertise will directly influence national-scale outcomes.

 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the Role

We are seeking two experienced Principal Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal leadership across KiwiRail’s commercial, construction, infrastructure, customer and privacy matters. These senior roles are responsible for leading commercial and corporate legal advice provided to KiwiRail and partnering closely with senior leaders, project teams, and the wider Legal and Governance team. You will play a critical role in supporting complex, high‑value programmes of work — including major commercial contracts, customer arrangements, and key corporate initiatives — while ensuring sound governance, regulatory compliance and commercially focused outcomes. As a trusted advisor, you will influence decision‑making at the most senior levels, identify and manage legal risk early, and provide pragmatic legal solutions that enable delivery of KiwiRail’s strategic objectives.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal leadership and advice across all commercial and corporate matters
• Lead legal input into complex, high‑value commercial contracts, negotiations and customer arrangements
• Partner with senior leaders and project teams to support major programmes of work and transformation initiatives
• Oversee legal and regulatory risk identification, assessment and mitigation
• Set legal standards, frameworks and approaches to support consistent and high‑quality commercial outcomes
• Support the Head of Legal in workflow management, mentoring and quality assurance within the legal team
• Manage and oversee external legal advisors, ensuring value, quality and effective risk management
• Contribute to continuous improvement of legal practices, governance frameworks and ways of working across KiwiRail

 

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What You Will Bring

• A law degree with a current practising certificate
• Significant post‑admission experience (10+ years) in a senior law firm or in‑house role
• Demonstrated experience leading legal advice on complex commercial, construction or infrastructure matters is preferred
• Strong understanding of New Zealand’s regulatory and legal environment
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide clear, solutions‑focused advice
• Sound commercial judgement and the ability to balance risk, strategy and outcomes
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills
• A collaborative, composed and pragmatic approach in complex or high‑pressure environments

 

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for You

• Competitive salary plus 4% employer KiwiSaver contribution
• Southern Cross medical insurance at staff rates
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Discounted staff travel
• A wide range of discounts with retail partners
• Access to the NZ Rail Staff Welfare Trust, including holiday homes and support for optometry, physiotherapy, GP visits and prescriptions
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• The chance to work on nationally significant projects with real impact
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and values‑driven organisation where safety, wellbeing and collaboration come first

 

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to Make a Difference?

 

If you’re an experienced commercial or corporate lawyer looking to apply your expertise at scale and play a key role in KiwiRail’s transformation journey, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Applications close: 27th of May 2026.

 

Please note: Appointment is subject to passing a pre‑employment medical and drug and alcohol screening. NZ residency or citizenship is required.