Head of Legal – Corporate and Commercial – GCO Oceania
Location: EY Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Overview
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. You will manage complex contracts, oversee legal risk, provide strategic advice, and work 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead the GCO Corporate & Commercial legal function, setting strategy and priorities in line with GCO objectives.
- Provide expert legal advice and support on commercial contracts, technology contracts, government tenders, procurement, transactions, privacy, and corporate governance matters.
- Foster a high‑performing legal team, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.
- Drive innovation in legal processes, including adoption of legal technology and process improvements.
- Ensure effective knowledge management and legal training within the team and across the business.
Qualifications & Skills
- 15+ years’ post‑qualification experience in senior legal roles, ideally within professional services or large, complex organisations.
- A 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.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching and developing high‑performing teams.
- High‑quality verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to bring structure and clarity to complex legal matters.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, agile environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.
- Strong business and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance legal rigour and commercial outcomes.
- Experience supervising company secretarial functions and understanding corporate governance frameworks (preferred).
- Oversight experience of corporate acquisitions, including legal due diligence, deal structuring, and execution (desirable).
- Ability to work fluently beyond one’s own area of practice.
What We Offer You
- Career development opportunities with future‑focused skills and world‑class experiences.
- Flexible work arrangements enabling balance of professional and personal life.
- A comprehensive advantages package, including wellness incentives, additional flex leave, and family‑friendly policies.
- 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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (DE&I;) are core to who we are, how we work, and how we live our values. 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 for all.
Apply Today
We understand sharing your needs can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at or +61 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.
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