Manager Legal Practice, Technology and Operations

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

Our Legal Services team is currently looking for a driven professional with a strong grounding in the legal world who is energised by using technology to streamline and modernise how a large legal team operates. Joining as the Manager Legal Practice, Technology and Operations, this is a pivotal leadership role within Auckland Council’s Legal Services team, reporting directly to the General Counsel. 

You will play a central role in shaping how Legal Services operates — driving efficiency, innovation and value for money across the function. You’ll lead the operational, financial and technology backbone of the department, enabling lawyers to focus on delivering high‑quality legal advice while ensuring the practice runs smoothly, strategically and sustainably. 

This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on how an in‑house legal team supports a large, complex organisation.

Day‑to‑day you could expect to work on:

• Leading the operational management of Legal Services, including planning and finances
• Managing legal administration and ensuring high‑quality support for legal teams
• Driving continuous improvement through process simplification and automation
• Leading the adoption of legal technologies, including matter and knowledge management
• Developing data, reporting and insights to support decision‑making and performance
• Strengthening client relationships, feedback mechanisms and satisfaction measures

Click here to view the Position Description. 

He kōrero mōu: About you 

You are a strategic, improvement‑focused leader who enjoys creating momentum for positive change. With a strong understanding of how in‑house legal teams operate, you bring a practical, solutions‑driven mindset and confidence working at senior levels of an organisation. 

You thrive in leading people, programmes and systems, and you enjoy using data and technology to improve ways of working. Collaborative by nature, you build trusted relationships across teams and are motivated by enabling others to do their best work.

Specifically, we are looking for:

• A tertiary qualification in law, business, commerce or a related field
• Significant experience in a professional services or legal environment
• Understanding of legal administration, financial management and reporting
• Proven experience in business transformation, project or change leadership
• Confidence working with technology, systems and data to drive improvement
• A collaborative leadership style with strong communication and stakeholder skills

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. The legal work we deliver is interesting, high-profile, varied and fast-paced. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!
Application close date: 18th of March at 11.59pm

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.