Chief Legal Counsel - Competition

Ko mātou tēnei - Who we are

Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's competition, fair trading, consumer credit and economic regulatory agency. Our mission is to make New Zealanders better off by ensuring our markets work well and consumers and businesses are confident participants in those markets.

As our areas of regulation grow, we have been transforming as an organisation and adopting a more collaborative, cross-functional approach to the delivery of legal services. A recent organisational review has brought our lawyers and paralegals into one branch, creating one of the largest legal teams in the country.

Mō te tūranga - About the role

Success in this role will confirm your reputation among the pre-eminent competition law practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We are looking for an outstanding competition law specialist to lead a close, highly capable team of subject matter experts. You will sit on both the Legal leadership team, and also on the Competition Branch leadership team, with both the Board and Commission Chief Executive being key stakeholders.

With recent and pending legislative changes, including cartel criminalisation and the proposed reform of section 36 of the Commerce Act, the next Chief Legal Counsel will lead out on ground-breaking activities to protect and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders. This role will also involve supporting the Commission in active engagement with Māori. This is a permanent role that may be based in Wellington or Auckland.

He kōrero mōu - About you

To be successful in this role, you will have the following:

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Current New Zealand practising certificate
• 10+ years' Post Qualification Experience
• Extensive competition law experience
• Strong litigation experience, ideally including experience in criminal prosecutions
• Exemplary legal research and analytical ability
• High level of verbal and written communication skills

Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position description.

Te wāhi mahi - Working here

We're friendly and collaborative and enjoy interesting work that contributes to a shared vision of making New Zealanders better off. Career growth and development is not only supported and encouraged, it's a part of everyday life here. We also offer a range of benefits to show that we'll value your mahi, including generous leave entitlements, study support, a range of wellness initiatives and competitive remuneration.

We are committed to our people's wellbeing. Any support needed is freely given, providing the opportunity for everyone to thrive. Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen. We even offer a contribution to working from home set up costs. Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.

The health, safety and wellbeing of all Commerce Commission people is a top priority. To continue to maintain a safe workplace for all our employees, the Commerce Commission asks that you provide details of your vaccination status as part of the application process.

Ka pēhea te tono mai - How to apply

If you want to contribute to our vision to make New Zealander's better off, please submit your cover letter and CV to jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz

Applications close on Wednesday, 2 March 2022.

Te Komihana Tauhokohoko - The Commerce Commission is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. We seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability or flexible work status and we particularly encourage applications from those of any under-represented groups. If we can support you with specific accommodations in any part of the recruitment process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Partner.

For more information, contact Jane Temel on 021 499 902, or or Carl Church on 021 166 6441 at Niche Recruitment.