Head of Legal & Governance (General Counsel)

• Shape Council-wide impact.

• Lead with purpose.

• Deliver value to our communities.

We are seeking a strategic, people-focused leader to join our organisation as Head of Legal & Governance. This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead a multifaceted business unit encompassing legal services, governance, LGOIMA, privacy, information management (including LIM and property), and support services.

About this role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As Head of Legal & Governance, you’ll lead a high-performing business unit covering legal services, governance, LGOIMA, privacy, information management, and democratic support.

Reporting to the Executive Director Corporate Services, you’ll provide trusted legal and governance advice to senior leaders and elected members, shaping organisation-wide decision-making and ensuring statutory compliance.

You’ll foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement while aligning your team’s work with Council’s long-term goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level legal and strategic advice to the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, elected members, and business units.
• Lead and manage the Legal & Governance teams, ensuring effective service delivery and alignment with Council priorities.
• Oversee legal risk, operations, and contract management, ensuring efficient, compliant processes.
• Provide governance oversight, ensuring legislative compliance and best-practice democratic processes.
• Lead Council’s approach to information and privacy management, including compliance with the Public Records Act and Privacy Act.
• Act as Deputy Electoral Officer, managing elections, representation reviews, and related responsibilities.
• Monitor legislative changes, advise on emerging risks, and report to Council committees on legal, governance, and compliance matters.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ōu

You’re a seasoned legal and governance leader with a strong public sector background and a pragmatic, strategic mindset. You thrive in complex environments, bring sound judgement, and lead with purpose and integrity.

You will bring:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current New Zealand practising certificate.
• 12+ years’ post-qualification legal experience, ideally in local or central government, with expertise in public, regulatory, local government, or privacy law.
• Proven senior leadership experience, including managing legal or governance teams and advising executives and elected members.
• Strong political acumen and an understanding of the social, cultural, and economic context in which Council operates.
• Experience in legal risk management, strategic planning, and overseeing external legal providers.
• Familiarity with electoral processes, privacy compliance, and information management frameworks.
• A commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and public trust.
• Additional qualifications in public administration, governance, or management (desirable).

You also bring the leadership behaviours that matter here:

• You connect your team’s work to Council’s purpose, direction, and community outcomes.
• You champion a customer- and community-focused culture, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive.
• You lead with a focus on value, outcomes, and accountability — making the best use of public resources.
• You collaborate across the organisation and build strong, respectful relationships with iwi and key stakeholders.
• You coach, develop, and grow others while role-modelling integrity and performance.
• You lead change with calm and purpose, embedding innovation and continuous improvement across your areas of influence.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

At Nelson City Council we believe that taking care of Nelson starts with taking care of our people. We’re working to make a positive difference in the lives of our communities. We value integrity, service, and collaboration, and we’re committed to being a high-performing, future-focused organisation.

We offer:

• A permanent, full-time senior leadership role
• Competitive remuneration and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and wellbeing support
• A collaborative, future-focused work environment

This is your opportunity to step into a strategic leadership role where your expertise will guide Council’s legal and governance landscape and make a lasting impact across Whakatū Nelson.

Click here for a copy of the position description.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi: Sunday 2nd November 2025

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai: Please contact Abby Kuyk, People & Capability Business Partner at [email protected]