Principal Legal Counsel

Sydney or Newcastle | 5+ Years PQE | 3 days per week

Our client is seeking a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join their legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel & Company Secretary. This is a broad in-house role offering exposure across commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, governance, risk management and strategic business advisory work.

Partnering closely with operational and executive stakeholders, you will play a critical role in helping the business navigate complex legal and commercial matters while supporting growth and delivering practical, outcomes-focused advice.

About the role
You will have the chance to work across a diverse range of legal matters, supporting key commercial and operational activities. You will be a trusted advisor to the business, balancing legal risk with commercial objectives while contributing to strong governance and compliance outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on a broad range of commercial, contractual and regulatory matters
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating customer, supplier and operational agreements
• Supporting major contract execution and commercial transactions
• Managing legal risk and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations
• Providing practical legal advice to operational and executive leadership teams
• Assisting with Board and governance matters, including agendas, papers and minutes
• Managing external legal counsel where required
• Maintaining and reviewing corporate policies and procedures
• Supporting dispute resolution, investigations and legal proceedings as required

About You
You are a pragmatic and commercially astute lawyer who enjoys partnering with stakeholders and finding practical solutions to complex challenges.

You will bring:

• A Law Degree and unrestricted practising credentials
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Legal Counsel or comparable commercial legal role
• Strong drafting, negotiation and contract management experience
• Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving capabilities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• The ability to work autonomously while managing multiple priorities
• High levels of accuracy, judgement and confidentiality

Experience within transport, infrastructure, rail, logistics, mining or other highly regulated industries will be viewed favourably.

Why apply?

• Broad and varied in-house legal remit
• Direct exposure to senior executives and Board-level matters
• Opportunity to influence commercial and operational decision-making
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team
• Sydney or Newcastle location options
• High-profile organisation operating in a complex and dynamic environment

Exclusive to Sharp & Carter Legal
0450 363 147
lruddy@sharpandcarter.com.au