Managing Counsel

Fulltime, 5-year fixed term contract, Senior-level position. Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.

Shape sound decisions through strategic, commercially focused legal advice. Provide strategic legal advice on complex commercial, research and governance matters across Western Sydney University.

You will serve as a senior legal adviser within the Office of General Counsel and University Secretary, delivering strategic, commercial and practical advice across Western Sydney University. You will work independently under the broad direction of the General Counsel and University Secretary and act as second-in-command across the Legal function.

You will lead the review, negotiation and drafting of complex research, commercial and information technology contracts. You will advise senior stakeholders on high-value transactions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and legal risk, balancing commercial objectives with the University’s statutory obligations and risk appetite. You will support the development of University statutes, policies, systems and processes while identifying emerging legal and regulatory risks. You will also oversee external legal providers, strengthen relationships across the higher education sector, and coach and mentor legal team members to support their professional development.

What Success Looks Like

• Deliver authoritative, practical and commercially sound legal advice on matters of strategic importance.
• Negotiate and draft complex research, commercial and technology agreements that protect the University’s interests.
• Identify legal and regulatory risks early and implement effective governance, compliance and risk mitigation responses.
• Manage external legal providers to achieve timely, cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.
• Build the capability of the Legal function through effective leadership, coaching and professional development.

A law degree or equivalent qualification, with eligibility to practise law in New South Wales. An unrestricted NSW practising certificate, or the ability to obtain one before commencing. At least eight years’ post-admission experience as a senior lawyer, including research and commercial contracts and corporate governance. Extensive experience analysing complex contracts, legislation and regulatory instruments, supported by strong commercial acumen. Highly developed negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters to senior leaders and non-legal audiences.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Friday 20th November 2026

Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.