Intermediate Construction Solicitor - Multiple Locations
Locations: Wellington, Christchurch or Auckland.
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
This role is part of a specialist property and construction law team supporting the School Property group and will provide specific support to the capital works and procurement teams.
The School Property legal team is based in a number of locations nationwide. This role will be located in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the Government Legal Network, working as part of a national team on one of the largest and busiest property portfolios in New Zealand.
Salary range: $99,496 - $120,690 per annum + 3% kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
You will play an integral role drafting construction contracts and advising on legal issues on construction projects nationwide with a focus on major works and complex commercial contracting.
You will be confident and work well with a team of construction and property lawyers to support the future pipeline of infrastructure works and the Ministry’s role in the construction industry.
To be successful in this role, you need to be able to demonstrate the following:
Current practicing certificate and at least 2 years PQE
Experience in construction law and contracts, including NZS 3910 and 3916, SFA and CCCS consultant agreements and RFx processes
Ability to assess legal risk and balance with Crown objectives
Strong analytical, logical and problem-solving skills
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships across a diverse group
Strong advisory capability, with effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to both self-manage and to play an active role in a high functioning team
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
If you’d like to bring your skills to a rewarding role within an organisation that’s continuously reaching goals and striving for a better future for New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
The School Property legal team is an in-house legal function within the School Property group that provides specialised property and construction law and related advice. You will work across all teams within the School Property group, particularly the capital works and procurement teams.
The School Property group manages one of the largest property portfolios in Aotearoa New Zealand, composed of over 2,100 primary and secondary state schools and over 8,000 hectares of land with a carrying value of $33.5 billion. Our group is responsible for the portfolio, including school engagement, asset management, capital works delivery, investment planning and portfolio management.
We have a responsibility to invest in property solutions that demonstrate value for money while still delivering the right outcome for our schools and kura. Demand for new or improved school property across the country is high, and the way we meet these needs is to do so more efficiently. We have set financial and timeliness targets for our programme, and we’re looking to improve our planning and delivery, as well as working proactively and collaboratively with schools and the construction sector. This will ensure that our property projects deliver value and are part of an affordable and deliverable programme of works.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Hugo Chisholm, Principal Construction Solicitor (Manager) at hugo.chisholm@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – 17th April 2025.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
