Reporting to the General Manager, Regulatory Effectiveness & Legal, the Chief Legal Advisor is a key role within WorkSafe and is the most senior functional and professional legal role within the organisation.

The legal team have been on a growth trajectory and are now making real traction in the mahi they are doing to help improve the health, safety and wellbeing of New Zealanders. This role will lead the team of approximately 20 kaimahi across Wellington and Auckland who are driving this important work.  

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing high quality legal support and advice to WorkSafe staff, senior managers and Board
• Providing visible leadership and direction to the Legal Group as it supports WorkSafe in delivering its regulatory functions
• Helping to solve problems, explore opportunities and contribute as a senior leader of the organisation
• Assisting WorkSafe to remain compliant with all relevant legislation and regulations
• Acting as WorkSafe's Privacy Officer
• Overseeing the effective delivery of WorkSafe's legal services

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Deep and senior experience in providing legal advice to a Crown or Government Agency and/or Board
• Experience in leading through others
• Budget management skills
• Critical thinking skills and sound judgement across complex issues
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• A passion about work health and safety and an ability to act as an effective advocate for this and WorkSafe
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of the Regulatory Effectiveness and Legal Leadership Team

You must hold a Bachelor of Laws degree and current practicing certificate.

About WorkSafe

WorkSafe New Zealand, Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa, is the primary workplace health and safety regulator – our vision is that everyone who goes to work comes home healthy and safe.  Our people are passionate about our vision and embrace and demonstrate our WorkSafe Values - Ngā Mātāpono: 

• Whakakotahi – we're united in a strong purpose 
• Kōrero mai – we engage meaningfully 
• Tiakina mai - we're entrusted with a duty of care. 

WorkSafe offers a range of benefits including free life, trauma and income protection insurances, discounts on health insurance and eye care, four weeks annual leave plus three days WorkSafe leave, and learning and professional development opportunities. We operate on a flexible by default basis, allowing you and your manager to create a flexible work experience that supports you and the business to succeed.

There are a range of networks you can become part of, such as our Te Rōpū Atuapiko Rainbow Network, WorkSafe Pacific Network, WorkSafe Wahine Women's Network and our Kapa Haka group