Chief Legal Adviser & Manager Procurement

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Take leadership of the Ministry's Legal & Procurement functions
• Small, friendly central government agency | Significant legislative programme
• Permanent full time | Scenic Wellington CBD waterfront location  

Key leadership role overseeing the management of legal advice and risk and procurement contracts, helping shape the future of transport in Aotearoa.



He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka | About Ministry of Transport

Te Manatū Waka, Ministry of Transport, is the system leader for the transport sector whether it's on land, at sea, in the air, or connecting Aotearoa to the world. We are the Government's principal adviser on transport policy, regulation and investment and play a crucial role in ensuring the transport system is working to improve the prosperity for New Zealanders.

Our key responsibilities include providing policy advice to Government including developing investment and regulatory settings, legislative advice and Crown agency governance, accountability and performance. 



Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga | About the opportunity

You'll be part of a Ministry leading outcomes that touch the daily lives of almost every New Zealander in some way. You will lead supportive and collaborative teams on interesting pieces of work focusing on delivering the Government's transport priorities.

Reporting the Deputy Chief Executive Regulatory, and as head of the Ministry's Legal and Procurement teams (made up of about 13x staff), you will.  

• Provide strategic legal advice to the Ministry and Ministers
• Oversee advice and assurance on legal risk to inform a range of actions and activities of Ministry, including commercial and contract advice and advice on regulatory decision making
• Lead specialist and expert procurement and contract advice and support
• Set and drive the strategy for both the Legal and Procurement teams
• Continue to build and enhance the teams' performance to maximise the contribution to the Ministry's outcomes and Government goals.

Recently the Ministry implemented a new structure and operating model to position it to support the Government to deliver its priorities.



Te wāhi ki a koe | What you'll bring

• Extensive experience as a Solicitor
• New Zealand practicing certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand government legislative and policy processes
• Experience of working in government, a sound understanding of the role of the public service and of working with Ministers and other government departments and agencies
• Proven leadership experience having the ability to lead, develop and coach a diverse team of professional staff
• Understanding of Te Ao, Tikanga and Matauranga Māori.



Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range

The starting base salary for this position is $169,590 per annum. The salary offered will be based on your skills and experience.



Te wāhi ki a mātou | What we offer

Join us and be a part of our passionate Ministry, shaping the future of transportation in New Zealand. In return, you'll enjoy working in our great Wellington waterfront location and range of employee benefits. Some of our benefits include.  

• Small, friendly, supportive work environment within a flat structure
• Additional Ministry leave days, wellbeing days and volunteer day
• Laptop, mobile and WFH IT equipment
• A range of health and wellbeing benefits including an annual wellness payment
• Modern offices located on Wellington's scenic waterfront with collaborative working spaces, showers, storage for bicycles/scooters and personal lockers
• A welcoming employee network such as the Māori and Pasifika, Wāhine, and Rainbow networks as well as the PSA and Eco Groups.



Me pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

To view the job description or apply online including a cover letter and CV click Apply.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 28 April 2024.

For further information or to speak confidentially, in the first instance please contact Rebecca Bakker, Senior Recruitment Adviser at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz or on 022 014 5419.  

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.

For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz



Please note we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.