Market Counsel (General Counsel), IBM Australia/ New Zealand

At IBM Legal Regulatory Affairs & General Counsel we provide the guidance and oversight that enable IBM to innovate responsibly and operate with integrity. Our teams manage complex legal regulatory and compliance matters across the globe. Ensuring trust with clients partners and communities. Working in Legal and Regulatory Affairs means tackling diverse challenges from intellectual property and data privacy to corporate governance and ethical business practices. You’ll collaborate with colleagues worldwide to protect IBM’s interests while supporting growth and innovation. With continuous learning global exposure and opportunities to shape the future of technology through law and policy IBM offers a unique environment to build your career while making a meaningful impact.

• The Market Counsel for IBM Australia/New Zealand will lead the legal function and provide comprehensive legal support and strategic guidance to IBM’s business operations across A/NZ. This role covers all legal matters including corporate governance regulatory compliance litigation commercial contracting risk management AI data protection cybersecurity and general corporate issues.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling business growth while managing risk fostering a high-performance culture and responding to rapidly evolving regulatory requirements. The role requires strong leadership strategic thinking and the ability to collaborate effectively with IBM’s global legal team and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Based in Sydney this is an exciting opportunity to influence IBM’s business strategy in one of the most dynamic markets while contributing to global initiatives and shaping the future of legal operations.

• Team Leadership:
  Lead and develop a team of legal professionals across A/NZ. Foster a culture of accountability agility and growth mindset. Mentor emerging leaders and ensure succession planning.
• Strategic Legal Advisory:
  Provide proactive commercially focused legal advice on corporate governance regulatory compliance disputes M&A commercial contracts intellectual property AI data protection and cybersecurity. Act as a trusted adviser to IBM A/NZ leadership.
• Business Enablement & Growth:
  Partner with business leaders to structure complex transactions accelerate deal cycles and enable competitive positioning while balancing risk and opportunity.
• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs:
  Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and IBM global policies. Monitor and respond to evolving regulations in areas such as privacy AI and cybersecurity. Engage with regulators and industry bodies as needed.
• Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
  Oversee litigation strategy and manage disputes to protect IBM’s interests. Drive proactive risk mitigation and avoidable loss prevention.
• Process Simplification & Technology Adoption:
  Champion simplification initiatives tied to measurable business outcomes. Lead adoption of legal technology and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and impact.
• Global Collaboration:
  Work closely with IBM’s global legal team and contribute to enterprise-wide projects. Represent IBM A/NZ in regional and global forums to share best practices and influence global strategy.
• External Thought Leadership:
  Engage in industry forums regulatory roundtables and legal tech conferences to position IBM as a leader in compliance AI and innovation.

• Law degree from a recognized institution; admission to practice in Australia.
• Minimum 15+ years of legal experience including senior leadership roles in multinational corporations or top-tier law firms.
• Proven expertise in commercial contracting regulatory compliance litigation and corporate governance.
• Strong business acumen and ability to balance legal risk with strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and driving cultural transformation.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills; ability to engage at executive level.
• Experience negotiating complex deals with government and commercial entities.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced dynamic environment with multiple priorities.