Head of Legal - Corporate and Commercial - GCO Oceania
Join EY to shape your future with confidence.
Opportunity
As Head of Legal, Corporate & Commercial, one of two direct reports to the Oceania General Counsel, you will lead a team of 10 specialist lawyers at EY Oceania. The role manages complex contracts, oversees legal risk, provides strategic advice, and works with business leaders to align commercial objectives with EY Oceania's interests.
The role requires exceptional legal expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence and collaborate across a complex, global environment. It is based in Warrang – Sydney and may include flexible working arrangements.
Responsibilities
Lead the GCO Corporate & Commercial legal function, setting strategy and priorities aligned with GCO objectives.
Provide expert legal advice and support on commercial contracts, technology contracts, government tenders, procurement, transactions, privacy and corporate governance matters.
Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, acting as a stabilising influence and driving innovation in legal processes.
Advance the adoption of legal technology and process improvements.
Ensure effective knowledge management and legal training within the team and across the business.
Skills and Attributes
15+ years post-qualification experience in senior legal roles, ideally within professional services or large, complex organisations.
Current Australian unrestricted practising certificate.
Deep expertise in commercial law, contract negotiation, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Proven ability to negotiate complex commercial and government contracts, balancing legal risk and strategic business outcomes.
Oversight experience of corporate acquisitions including due diligence, deal structuring and execution is desirable.
Strong understanding of corporate governance frameworks and experience supervising company secretarial functions is preferred.
Proven ability to manage complexity, anticipate legal challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Ability to work beyond one's own area of practice.
Strong business and commercial acumen.
Demonstrated leadership skills including coaching and developing high-performing teams.
High-quality verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment managing multiple priorities effectively.
Strong organisational skills and ability to bring structure and clarity to complex legal matters.
What We Offer
Career development – your career is yours to shape with world-class experiences.
Flexible work arrangements – policies that empower balance and autonomy.
A comprehensive benefits package – including wellness incentives, extra flex leave, family-friendly policies and gender-neutral paid parental leave.
Competitive salary – open to negotiation based on skills and experience.
Acknowledgement of Country
EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders – past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness (DE&I)
Diversity, equity and inclusiveness (DE&I) are core to who we are. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations and gender identities, and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you need support or adjustments, please share your needs. Any information you provide is confidential.
Ready to shape your future?
Apply today. If you have questions before or during your application, contact us at or +61 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.
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