Head of Legal - Corporate and Commercial - GCO Oceania

Head of Legal - Corporate and Commercial - General Counsel Office(GCO) Oceania

The opportunity 

As Head of Legal, Corporate & Commercial, one of two direct reports to the Oceania General Counsel, leads a team of 10 specialist lawyers. This role manages complex contracts, oversees legal risk, provides strategic advice, and works with business leaders to align commercial objectives with EY Oceania’s interests.

The Head of Legal, Corporate & Commercial leads a high-performing legal team, fosters a culture of excellence and integrity, and drives continuous improvement in legal service delivery. The role requires exceptional legal expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence and collaborate across a complex, global environment.

This role is based in Warrang – Sydney. Our roles can potentially be adjusted to work flexibly with reduced hours. Please speak with us about potential options. 

Your key responsibilities 

• Leading the GCO Corporate & Commercial legal function, setting strategy and priorities aligned with GCO strategic objectives.
• Providing expert legal advice and support on commercial contracts, technology contracts, government tenders, procurement, transactions, privacy and corporate governance matters  
• Brings a stabilising influence to the leadership of a high-performing legal team, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.
• Driving innovation in legal processes, including the adoption of legal technology and process improvements.
• Ensuring effective knowledge management and legal training within the team and across the business.

Skills and attributes for success 

• 15+ years’ post qualification experience in senior legal roles, ideally within professional services or large, complex organisations.
• A current Australian unrestricted practising certificate 
• Deep expertise in commercial law, contract negotiation, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement. 
• Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial and government contracts, balancing legal risk and strategic business outcomes, with the ability to accept responsibility for difficult decisions

Ideally, you’ll also have the skills and attributes below but don’t worry if you don’t tick all the boxes. We’re interested in your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn. 

• Oversight experience of corporate acquisitions, which may include legal due diligence, deal structuring, and execution is desirable.  
• Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and experience supervising company secretarial functions is preferred. 
• Proven ability to manage complexity, anticipate legal challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
• Ability to work fluently beyond their own area of practice
• Strong business and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance legal rigour and commercial outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to coach and develop high-performing legal teams.
• High-quality and influential verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex legal matters.

What we offer you 

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more. 

• Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences ey.com/au/careerdevelopment 
• Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.  
• A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/au/benefits      
• Salary: We offer a competitive salary which is open to negotiation pending on skills and experience. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous 

Diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DE&I) are core to who we are, how we work and how we live our values. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at contactrecruitment@au.ey.com or +61 3 8650 7788 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential. 

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.  
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Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider. 

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