Legal Counsel

About the role

Part-Time, Fixed Term – 12 Months | Hybrid

We’re looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to join the legal team on a 12-month fixed-term (maternity leave cover) basis.

This is a part-time role (24–30 hours per week), offering hybrid working flexibility, and we’re ideally looking for someone who can start in August.

Working closely with the Head of Legal, you’ll be part of a team of three lawyers, providing practical, solution focused legal advice across a wide range of matters helping to manage risk while enabling the business to deliver on its strategy. This is a varied in-house role where no two days are the same from contracts and compliance to property, regulatory advice, disputes and governance support.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Provide legal advice across the business, including electricity and fibre networks, energy services, corporate and group companies
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements
• Support the business on regulatory, compliance, environmental and planning matters
• Advise on property agreements including leases and network-related arrangements
• Manage disputes and work with external counsel when required
• Support governance activities, including assisting with Board matters and documentation
• Contribute to Northpower’ s compliance framework, policies and procedures
• Provide practical training and guidance to stakeholders across the business
• Assist with insurance-related matters, including claims and policy support

About you

You’re a confident and pragmatic legal professional who enjoys working closely with the business and providing clear, fit‑for‑purpose advice.

You’ll bring

• A Law degree and eligibility to hold (or current) NZLS practising certificate
• 5+ years’ post-admission experience, ideally with exposure to commercial, regulatory, or infrastructure-related work
• Strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills
• The ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the business
• Confidence to provide robust advice and appropriately challenge stakeholders
• Sound knowledge of environmental and planning law (will be strongly regarded)
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• In-house experience is beneficial but not essential.

What’s in it for you?

Make real impact across Aotearoa in a stable and future‑focused sector. At Northpower, you’ll do work that matters and powers our communities while growing your career in an organisation that genuinely cares for its people.

You’ll benefit from

• A people‑first culture built on safety, inclusion, and deep care, where contributions are recognised and wellbeing is supported through EAP and our award‑winning peer support network
• Fair and market competitive pay with the flexibility to tailor through additional leave and increased employer KiwiSaver contributions
• Discounted group medical cover and health and fitness programmes
• Discounted fuel rates plus a range of retail discounts
• Ongoing learning and development, with clear career pathways to help you grow, specialise, or progress
• A welcoming, family‑friendly workplace where people are encouraged to be themselves and feel valued

About Northpower – Powering Communities Across Aotearoa

Northpower is an organisation with deep regional roots and national reach. We own and operate the electricity and fibre networks across Whangārei and Kaipara, delivering essential infrastructure to more than 63,000 connected customers, while also operating one of New Zealand’s largest multi‑utility contracting businesses.

From keeping the lights on today to building the infrastructure that will power tomorrow, our work spans electricity, fibre, renewables, transmission, and energy services. With more than 1,400 people across 16 locations, we act as one to support our communities, customers, clients, and critical national infrastructure across Aotearoa.

What connects all of this work is real impact you can see in your community. The work you do at Northpower matters – it is seen, felt, and relied on every day.

If you’re looking for work that makes a real difference, work you can be proud of - we offer the opportunity to grow your career while supporting the communities that rely on us every day.

How to Apply?

We embrace diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Apply now via #REQ2023 and be supported, challenged, and trusted to do work that truly matters.

As part of our commitment to safety and wellbeing, pre‑employment checks will include a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.

Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand will be considered for this opportunity.