• Newly created role
• Senior role supporting the establishment and operation of Marlborough Waters
• Three-year fixed term contract
• Blenheim based ideally, with flexible work options 

This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in a once-in-a-generation infrastructure and governance reform and directly influence long term outcomes for the Marlborough region. 

About the organisation

Marlborough Waters is the new, council‑owned Water Services Organisation (“WSO”) being created by Marlborough District Council (“MDC”) to take over the delivery of drinking water and wastewater services throughout the district. The organisation will manage a significant asset base of approximately $1.6 b, and will be responsible for managing ongoing infrastructure and service investments as well as water services transition under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.   

About the role

To support this significant and high‑impact programme of work, MDC is seeking to appoint a Senior Commercial Solicitor on a three‑year fixed term. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Commercial Solicitor will play a lead role in the establishment, transition, and early operational phases of the new water services entity. Working closely with senior leadership, elected members, and governance bodies, the role will provide advice across commercial, regulatory, governance, and public law matters. You will be central to ensuring legal robustness throughout commercial contracting, asset and liability transfers, statutory compliance, and the development of governance frameworks that underpin the new organisation. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Strategic Legal Leadership: Provide senior-level legal advice on the establishment and operation of Marlborough Waters including CCO implementation, preparation of foundation documents and transition governance.
• Commercial & Transactional Work: Lead the legal aspects of asset, contract and liability transfers from MDC to Marlborough Waters including drafting, negotiating and advising on complex commercial agreements.
• Regulatory & Statutory Advice: Provide advice on regulatory requirements governing water services and support compliance, reporting, accountability across establishment and transition phases.
• Governance & Public Law: Advise on governance structures, delegations, decision making processes, and accountability frameworks for both Council and Marlborough Waters.
• Stakeholder & External Counsel Management: Work closely with internal stakeholders, regulators and other stakeholders and manage external legal advisors and specialist consultants. 

What we are seeking 

• Qualified lawyer with NZ practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
• A minimum of 8 years’ PQE gained in high quality law firm or in-house environments
• Previous experience as a commercial solicitor within government, utilities, infrastructure, water, or similar regulated sectors
• Sound experience and knowledge of public and commercial law
• Excellent drafting, judgement and risk management skills
• The ability to deliver successful outcomes while managing competing priorities and timelines
• A practical, solutions-focused approach
• An ability to work proactively and co-operatively with diverse stakeholders 

This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of major, long-term reform in how Marlborough will manage its water infrastructure for decades to come. You will be directly involved in helping to shape a new organisation from the ground up, working alongside senior leadership and governance bodies on high impact decisions. 

Marlborough District Council is a values‑driven organisation grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to positive community outcomes. The region itself offers an exceptional lifestyle. Whether it’s the vineyards, the Sounds, or the sunshine, Marlborough offers the rare combination of professional challenge and work-life balance that is hard to match. 

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity and to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Jennifer Williams at Williams Legal Recruitment Limited on 027 220 8003 or jw@williamslegalrecruitment.co.nz. 

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