Manager Legal Services - Regulatory
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future
The Legal & Risk Team sits within the Strategy and Finance Group, providing trusted advice and support to help the organisation make sound decisions and deliver value for Wellingtonians. As a key business partner across the Council, the team offers pragmatic, solutions‑focused and cost‑effective legal services.
We are seeking a confident and experienced Manager Legal Services - Regulatory to lead our established and high‑performing Regulatory legal team into its next phase.
Ngā Taipitopito Tūranga - Role details
This role is ideal for a senior public‑sector lawyer with strong in‑house experience and a solid understanding of local government settings and frameworks. You will be both a day‑to‑day people leader and have strong technical skills, providing strategic legal guidance while ensuring your team delivers high‑quality, consistent and practical advice.
As a trusted advisor, you will not only advise on legal issues but also understand the outcomes the organisation is trying to achieve and how to support these safely and effectively. You will work closely with the General Counsel, the Legal and Risk leadership team, and leaders across the organisation to identify risks early, navigate complex regulatory issues and ensure good decision-making processes are followed.
Flexibility and adaptability are essential, you will step in when needed, support your team through challenging work and maintain oversight of quality and workload.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
You will lead a capable and well‑established team, nurturing a supportive environment where people feel valued, cared for, and able to do their best work. You will understand that people work differently and will adapt your leadership approach to get the best from each individual. Developing and growing your team will be a key part of your role, alongside contributing as an active member of the Legal and Risk leadership team.
You will provide strategic legal advice on complex and high‑risk matters, support significant decisions and regulatory issues and ensure the team remains aligned, responsive and focused on delivering practical, business‑oriented solutions. You will also work effectively with external legal providers where specialist expertise is required.
The role requires someone who can pick things up quickly, form strong relationships, and influence confidently across a political and public‑sector environment.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications and experience
You will hold an LLB with the necessary professional qualifications and either hold, or be eligible for, a practising certificate. You will bring at least nine years’ post‑qualification experience, including in‑house legal work and leadership responsibilities. Your high EQ will shine through in how you support others to be their best. You will have strong public and regulatory law expertise, ideally gained in the public sector or local government, with experience advising on regulatory frameworks, decision‑making and the interpretation and enforcement of rules. You will be able to balance legal risk with organisational outcomes, exercise sound judgement, and communicate complex issues clearly. Strong relationship management, negotiation skills and the ability to operate professionally in a political environment are essential.
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity:
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility Support:
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand - we will not accept emailed applications.
Pre-employment Checks. All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check.
If you have questions, please contact Karyn Basher, General Counsel, karyn.basher@wcc.govt.nz
