Purpose of the role | Newcastle based | Hybrid Working
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of innovation in banking. You will work closely with procurement teams, project teams, and business stakeholders to support high-value commercial and strategic initiatives, whilst also ensuring NGM Group remains resilient to operational risks and disruptions in a highly regulated environment. This is rare opportunity to join a vibrant, forward-thinking in-house legal team, proactively harnessing AI to transform and enhance the delivery of legal services and meet the changing needs of a multi-brand business.
We’re seeking an accomplished legal practitioner to play an integral role in our commercial team supporting NGM Group in meeting its regulatory, contractual, and other legal obligations. You will provide timely, accurate, practical, and commercially focused legal advice and services that drive business success and risk resilience.
What will your key responsibilities include?
Providing expert, commercially focused legal advice, risk-based solutions and support on a variety of legal, risk and governance issues to all levels of the business
Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial contracts including; goods and services agreements; IT/system/software licensing agreements (incl SaaS and hosting); strategic partnership/ alliance and sponsorship agreements; securitisation agreements and wholesale funding agreements; distribution agreements; commercial leases and property transactions, and other transactions.
Partnering with procurement teams and project stakeholders to structure contracts that align with strategic objectives, comply with internal governance, and mitigate legal and operational risks. Support the development and optimisation of contract management frameworks, including templates, processes, and best practices. Ensuring ongoing compliance with APRA standards, privacy regulations, intellectual property rights, and information security requirements.
Engaging with senior leaders and business partners, confidently asking critical questions to ensure contractual clarity, mitigate risks, and maintain commercial competitiveness.
Work collaboratively in an agile team environment, adapting to business needs and proactively contributing to cross-functional initiatives and strategic priorities.
Contributing to strategic initiatives and AI-driven legal operations, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced legal practitioner with at least 7+ years’ private practice or in-house experience in corporate/ commercial and/or financial services law.
To be considered for this position you will have:
Extensive knowledge and experience in commercial law and corporate law
Experience in banking or financial services law (desirable but not essential).
Tertiary qualifications in law and admission as a legal practitioner in Australia (eligible for an NSW practising certificate).
Sound knowledge of the Corporations Act, financial services law, and general corporate and commercial law.
Strong interpersonal skills with significant experience in influencing and negotiating positive outcomes
Sound knowledge of contract management legislative and regulatory requirements within financial services
Strong understanding of technology contracts, including software licensing, hosting arrangements, milestone-based vs. staged contracts, and agile vs. waterfall project structures (desirable).
High attention to detail and ability to manage complex contracts, governance requirements, and legal risks.
Proactive approach to problem-solving, critical thinking, and advising on business risks.
Excellent time management and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills, with advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc)
Why join us?
Be part of an award-winning legal team
Partner with a multi-brand corporate structure that includes a customer-owned bank and charitable foundation.
Contribute to a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment that values business partnerships and proactive risk management.
Enjoy the benefits of working in one of the largest in-house legal teams where your contributions count and are meaningful.
What can you expect from us?
NGM Group employees can take advantage of the following work perks:
Health and wellbeing; Fitness passport, corporate health insurance and annual flu vaccination.
Lifestyle and giving back; Hotel discounts, 18 weeks paid parental leave, two community volunteers days and three recreational leave days per year.
Professional advancement; Flexible work arrangements, recognition programs and employee referral program.
About us
We’re NGM Group, and we offer retail banking services to more than half a million Australians under the brands Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent. We have fresh energy and big goals for our customers, and our people are key to us achieving this success. If you’re ready to be part of a team that puts the customer first and enjoys a challenge as the path to growth and innovation, then … we want you!
Collectively, we’re the largest customer-owned bank based on net assets and the 10th largest Australian-owned bank for household deposits. A financial powerhouse headquartered in the Hunter, we have a workforce of more than 1,800 people and total assets of more than $20 billion.
NGM Group is committed to delivering trusted banking to enable our customers and communities to thrive. We do this by leading with heart, doing the right things in the right way, and by maintaining high standards of ethical behaviour in everything that we do. All applicants are therefore required to undergo a skills assessment, comprehensive background check, Bankruptcy Check and a National Police Check.
We are also working to reflect the vibrant communities we serve. We believe in creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require adjustments to be made during the recruitment process or would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, your Talent Acquisition Partner will be happy to engage in a confidential discussion and assist. Your unique talents and perspectives are what make us stronger.