He angitūtanga: The opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly skilled and senior legal practitioner to lead the Litigation & Dispute Resolution team within Auckland Council's Legal Services Department.
In this critical leadership role, you will manage the provision of legal advice to, and representation of, Auckland Council and CCOs. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will engage and build relationships with internal client groups to provide advice and support in the general area of civil litigation (including all court, tribunal, mediation and arbitration matters) and manage relationships with external legal providers.
You will ensure Council’s exposure to civil litigation risk is managed and the public’s trust and confidence in the council and its CCOs is preserved. Reliably supporting the General Counsel, you will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for the provision of civil litigation and dispute resolution services to the Council whilst driving a programme of operational improvements to achieve performance efficiencies, operational savings and a continued focus on customer service.
As part of the Legal Services Leadership Team, you will play a key role in supporting the wider Legal Services Department to ensure it continues to be a highly engaged and productive team.
He kōrero mōu: About you
Your demonstrated strong leadership skills will see you managing, coaching and mentoring a diverse and dynamic team and supporting the engagement and culture of a highly productive department.
With political and organisational acumen, you will have a confident and collaborative working style with the ability to manage complex and high-pressure situations with confidence and composure.
With extensive experience in civil litigation at a senior level you will have the proven ability to deliver technically robust legal advice, excellent advocacy skills, deploy great stakeholder management skills, and be ready to step up into a senior leadership role at Auckland Council.
With sound judgement and a strong strategic lens, you’ll be able to anticipate risks and issues and act decisively.
Highly organised, you will bring the ability to fully evaluate options to reduce or mitigate financial, political and/or reputational risk.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
This is your chance to make a difference in your community as an integral part of the Council's legal team. This role will offer you variety, the opportunity to make an impact and profile yourself within the organisation coupled with genuine work-life balance.
This is a rare leadership opportunity in a great working environment with a tight knit team. For a confidential discussion, please contact Jess Leaming, Talent Acquisition Consultant jess.leaming@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or Helen Wild, General Counsel.
Applications close Sunday, 3rd September 2023
Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.
Auckland Council strongly encourages our employees to be fully vaccinated.
