Principal Legal Officer

Seeking a Refreshing Career Change in the New Year?

Escape the pressures of billable hours, weekend work, and endless "desk time." Join the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for a more balanced and fulfilling career. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer Rostered Days Off (RDOs) every month to help you recharge, as well as additional paid leave and a supportive, balanced culture. At NHVR, we prioritise work-life balance while empowering you to make an impact with meaningful work. Leave the stress behind and discover a workplace that values personal and professional growth.

We are looking for an experienced legal practitioner with over 7 years of expertise in employment and industrial relations (IR) law. This position is open to both full-time and part-time candidates, with flexible job share options for the right person. With corporate and regional hubs across Australia, NHVR offers the flexibility to base this role at a range of locations nationally.

As the Principal Legal Officer, you will provide a wide range of legal services to NHVR, offering strategic advice on workplace law matters and leading complex negotiations. You will help guide NHVR through employment contracts, IR disputes, litigation, workplace safety, and workers’ compensation issues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist legal advice on workplace and industrial law, including employment contracts, industrial instrument interpretation, IR disputes, litigation, grievances, disciplinary matters, workplace health and safety, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Offer strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders, guiding effective negotiation and communication regarding legal rights and obligations.
• Lead sensitive and complex negotiations.
• Represent the NHVR in conciliation conferences and other court listings, as required.
• Draft, review, and present detailed reports, briefing notes, and submissions in line with NHVR standards.

About You: To succeed in this role, you will have:

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience as a legal practitioner specializing in employment/IR law within commercial or government environments.
• Admission as a legal practitioner in the High Court or Supreme Court of a State or Territory.
• Experience in property law, commercial law, or insurance (desirable but not essential).

Why Join NHVR?

• Access to excellent end-of-trip facilities at our corporate offices.
• A flexible work environment, including the option to work from home two days per week.
• Additional leave during the Christmas and year-end period.
• Opportunities for additional leave, including rostered days off or accrued time off.
• A family-friendly, supportive team culture.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Up to 19.75% superannuation through a co-contribution scheme.

If you are ready for a healthier work-life balance and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful legal work, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to be part of a team that values both your professional expertise and personal well-being.