• Exciting, newly created opportunity

• Leadership and team management responsibility

• Undertake diverse and stimulating work in a stunning NZ region

• Nelson based

If you’re seeking an exciting leadership role with the opportunity to expand your skill set beyond the legal remit while based in a stunning lifestyle region of New Zealand, then look no further!

About the company

OneFortyOne (“OFO”) is a world-class sustainable forest grower and forest products company that operates in Australia and New Zealand. OFO grows, harvests, processes and replants millions of trees every year. Within New Zealand, OneFortyOne New Zealand (“OFO NZ”) is a vertically integrated plantation and mill business operating in the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. Its plantation is around 80,000 hectares with a harvest of more than a million cubic metres each year. With a purpose to grow a better tomorrow, OFO is committed to operating responsibility and sustainably to build a positive future for their people, the environment and the regions in which they work.

About the role

Reporting to the Group General Counsel & Company Secretary (based in Melbourne) and the GM, NZ Forests (based in Nelson), as Head of Legal & Compliance, you’ll lead OFO NZ’s in-house legal function ensuring that risk and commerciality are well balanced, and all operations are compliant with relevant legislation, regulation and good governance standards.

In this newly created, influential role you’ll manage a small team of technical experts who advise on legal, environment and land management issues for the NZ Forests and Kaituna sawmilling businesses. This role forms part of the NZ Forests Leadership Team and contributes to the development and execution of key strategic, governance and operational initiatives.

The remit of this role is diverse and stimulating. The legal work includes strategising and leading negotiations across a range of key stakeholder relationships, advising on commercial and contractual issues, corporate law and governance, property, environmental, disputes and litigation, health and safety, policy review and IP matters. In addition, you’ll take a leading role in relation to regulatory and compliance matters, ensuring that appropriate governance systems are in place and that requirements are effectively communicated across the business, delivering training and reporting on risks and opportunities as they impact OFO NZ’s strategic and policy initiatives.

A high level of collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is on offer. This includes collaboration with the Australian legal team and people at all roles and levels within OFO’s trans-Tasman operations. You will also interact with key stakeholders (including OFO’s iwi stakeholders and relevant carbon and forestry regulators) and external legal providers when required.

The role is a full-time permanent position based in Richmond, Nelson

What we are looking for

• Qualified lawyer with NZ practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)

• A minimum of 8 years' PQE with broad commercial law experience and the ability to deliver advice across a diverse range of legal areas

• Previous exposure to property and/or environment law matters would be an advantage

• A high level of commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions focused advice

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities

• Strong legal analysis, interpretation and negotiation skills

• Excellent communication skills – an effective communicator who builds relationships with a collaborative and consultative style

• Ability to manage priorities, work flexibly and at pace, to meet the needs of the business

• Positive, action-orientated and enthusiastic engagement style, open to learning and respectful of contributions from your colleagues’ expertise.

This role offers a unique opportunity to broaden your skill set beyond the scope of a traditional in-house legal role, while continuing to gain valuable leadership and team management expertise. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, shape strategic initiatives and contribute to OFO NZ’s continued success, all while enjoying the vast array of lifestyle benefits on offer in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions.

Click here to apply.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Williams at Williams Legal Recruitment on 027 220 8003 or jw@williamslegalrecruitment.co.nz.