Senior Legal Counsel

At MMS, our purpose is clear: To make a difference to people's lives. Guided by this commitment, we offer tailored solutions to clients and customers across our businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Our vision is to be your trusted partner, simplifying complexities and turning challenges into opportunities. Our diverse services – from salary packaging and fleet management to disability support – aim to enhance your financial wellbeing and empower your aspirations.

Through our subsidiaries, we offer a breadth of services and expertise designed to responsibly deliver superior long-term value to our clients and customers, which include Federal and State governments and some of the largest public and private sector, health and charitable organisations.

In your role as Senior Legal Counsel you will provide a wide range of legal, corporate governance, compliance and risk management services to McMillan Shakespeare Limited (MMS) and its related bodies corporate (a few are located in NZ). 

You will be responsible for supporting and contributing to the growth and success of MMS’s operations by providing high quality, relevant, commercial and timely legal advice/services that meet business requirements as well as assisting business units to achieve their corporate objectives in a way that complies with relevant legislation. You will ensuring corporate/internal policies and procedures are compliant with corporate regulations/legislation. This includes the proactive management of risk and corporate governance by developing and implementing appropriate risk identifications and compliance frameworks. Oversee the management of regulatory affairs through the provision of regulatory advice. Support and establishing standards and specifications for all products/services that require compliance with regulations, as well as liaising with regulators.

The following are the main areas of responsibility.

Further detailed information can be provided by way of a Position description if you are shortlisted.

Commercial Agreements

• Negotiate, draft, and advise on client, supplier, lessor, and JV agreements.
• Review and respond to tenders and requests from large corporations and government entities.
• Provide legal sign-off on documents for company officers.

Marketing Advice

• Advise on marketing obligations (financial services, privacy, consumer law, etc.).
• Approve advertising and printed materials, ensuring compliance with legal and competition laws.
• Litigation & Dispute Management
• Assist with litigation management and brief external lawyers to secure favorable outcomes.

Project Work

• Provide legal support for strategically important projects

Regulatory & Licensing

• Ensure compliance with financial services, credit licenses, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with regulator interactions and implement necessary regulatory reforms.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Advise on legislative changes and manage risk compliance frameworks.
• Oversee compliance policies, training, and reporting to management.
• Ensure key compliance deadlines are met and report on emerging regulatory issues.

Corporate Governance

• Support corporate governance and company secretarial functions.

Miscellaneous

• Address ad hoc business queries.

Exclusion of Tax

• The responsibilities above exclude advice and management of taxation related issues.

You will bring:

• Advanced problem-solving ability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
• Skill to develop, maintain and coordinate effective relationships with team members and key internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement
• Experience in managing a diverse workload and managing competing priorities.
• Large law firm experience preferable and/or Inhouse
• Financial Services experience preferred but not essential
• Practical commercial experience in understanding how risk management and compliance fits within the corporate environment
• Experience in the areas of compliance, risk management and/or corporate governance
• Proficiency in Excel and Word
• Essential - Tertiary qualification in law
• Essential - Admitted as a solicitor in Victoria
• Compliance experience in a commercial environment (any relevant qualifications advantageous)

What we can offer you:

• Our strong people-first culture

• Flexible/hybrid working to enhance your work/life balance

• Novated lease benefits and discounts

• 12 weeks Paid Parental leave and access to our Parents Portal

• Exempt Employee Share Plan

• Paid Income Protection Insurance under MMSG default Super plan

• Access to a broad range of learning and development programs

• Career break and volunteering leave

• Access to Employee Assistance Program and annual Flu vaccination

• Lifestyle Rewards program

 
As an employer who embraces Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we hold a collective commitment to foster an environment where all differences are valued and respected. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, individuals from all backgrounds, including those caring for and living with disability to apply.
 
Please note all successful candidates will be required to undergo background checks.