Principal Legal Counsel - Employment Relations

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We're looking for an experienced employment lawyer to join our in-house team as a trusted advisor on all aspects of employment and industrial relations. In this principal role, you’ll provide high-quality, practical and defensible legal advice across the Council and its Council-Controlled Organisations, ensuring complex issues are managed with confidence and care.

You’ll be responsible for helping the organisation navigate employment law and industrial relations risks, partnering with leaders to strike the right balance between risk and operational needs. From guiding strategy on sensitive matters to resolving disputes, advising on key projects and supporting collective bargaining, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how employment relations are managed across one of New Zealand’s largest and most diverse workforces.

This is a great opportunity to take a lead role within the Employment Relations space, often stepping in for the Head of Employment Relations as needed and taking on additional leadership and mentoring responsibilities for the team and department.

He kōrero mōu: About you

You’ll be a qualified lawyer (LLB, admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor) with at least ten years’ relevant experience, ideally gained in employment law practice or in-house counsel roles. With strong expertise in both employment and industrial relations, you’ll bring consistently high technical skills and a track record of delivering clear, practical advice.

You are able to work autonomously, with minimal supervision and are seen as a thought leader who enhances the overall capability of the Employment Relations team.

Success in this role will come from your ability to anticipate and manage risk, provide customer-focused solutions, and influence outcomes across a large and complex organisation. You’ll be an excellent communicator who can build trusted relationships, demonstrate sound judgment under pressure, and bring leadership, professionalism, and integrity to every challenge.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer 

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. 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

A copy of the position description can be viewed HERE

 
Applications close Friday, 3rd October 2025

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.