Special Counsel
Full-time
Brisbane / Mackay
Our vision is to be recognised as a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.
To meet our vision, our people are at the heart of our success managing safe, efficient and fair ports that connect North Queensland to the world. We do this by balancing the needs of iconic surroundings, our communities, and our stakeholders.
More than half of Queensland's international trade, by volume, passes through our ports at Weipa, Abbot Point, Mackay, and Hay Point, which makes us one of Queensland's largest Port Authorities. We take great care to provide safe, and competitive seaport services to efficiently facilitate imports and exports through our Queensland ports.
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Lawyer to provide specialist legal and governance advice with a strong focus on major infrastructure projects, procurement, and supporting the delivery of key corporate functions, including Legal, Governance and Company Secretarial.
About the role
Reporting to the General Counsel / Company Secretary (GCCS), the Special Counsel will:
• Draft, negotiate and review a broad range of complex commercial contracts, including major procurement, construction, consultancy and services agreements.
• Partner closely with commercial, operations and engineering teams to align project execution with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Provide specialist advice across all stages of major infrastructure and capital projects, including on complex contracts and matters of statutory interpretation.
• Manage and advise on significant litigation and disputes.
• Provide legal oversight on ethical and conflict of interest issues.
• Advise on large procurement contracts and probity issues.
• Develop legal risk and mitigation strategies particularly in areas of novel or complex work.
• Provide legal training to staff at NQBP.
• Act as Company Secretary (if required), attending Board and Committee meetings, keeping minutes, and supporting the preparation of governance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with the Corporations Act 2001, Government Owned Corporations Act 1993, and other relevant legislation.
• Provide advice on privacy matters in the role of NQBP Privacy Officer.
About you
You are an accomplished legal professional with exceptional strategic judgment, deep governance experience, and the ability to navigate complex commercial and regulatory environments. You are solutions focused, proactive, pragmatic and adept at building trusted relationships across all levels of an organisation.
Essential qualifications and experience:
• Tertiary qualifications in Law and admission as a Solicitor in an Australian jurisdiction, with a current practising certificate.
• Significant experience (over 10 years) in a senior legal and/or governance role. Previous experience in a company secretarial capacity would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative legal advice and support on complex matters, including interpretation and application of legislation, contract drafting and review, major projects, governance and policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, resolve conflict constructively and contribute positively to organisational success.
Desirable qualifications and experience:
• Postgraduate qualifications in corporate governance or commercial law.
• Specialist knowledge in one or more of the following areas: litigation, commercial contracts, statutory interpretation, procurement, property or construction law.
• Experience in the infrastructure industry, working within or advising government-owned corporations or other public sector entities.
Benefits of working for NQBP
− We know that your experience is unique – and your career should be too. Join us and we'll help you reach your potential based on your experience, interests, and expertise: dedicated learning platform; Subsidised professional qualifications.
− Exclusive benefits of parental leave; 12.75% superannuation;
− Flex time and working from home arrangements;
− Health and Wellness Program and birthday vouchers.
Joining NQBP
We are committed to inclusion and celebrating our diverse workforce, their individual talents and the innovation they bring to their work. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ community, women, mature age workers and people with different abilities.
Merit is paramount in our selection process, ensuring candidates are assessed against the specific needs of the role. Additionally, we recognise the importance of diversity in skills and actively consider a broad range of capabilities when making recruitment decisions.
We have a team of diverse professionals who are committed to our values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity. Our people pursue a high standard of environmental management, both of our own activities and those of commercial partners.
Application Process
If you are interested joining North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, please submit an application with your current resume and a covering letter. Please note that applications will be processed as they are received.