Legal Counsel - Contracts

• One of Australia’s largest employee-owned environmental consultancies
• Location Flexible: Newcastle, Sydney or Brisbane
• Additional Benefit of a #ME Day (Paid day off once a month)

About Umwelt

Umwelt is an Australian owned and run environmental consultancy that has been operating for over 35 years across Australia. We are a team of vibrant professionals with experience across a range of sectors including renewables, infrastructure, defence, regulation and policy, resources, and the urban development sector.

Umwelt’s legal team is growing and we are seeking an experience in-house Legal Counsel, with strong contracts experience.

About the Role:

The Legal Counsel – Contracts, will play a key role in providing practical, accurate and solutions focused support across legal, contractual, commercial and corporate matters.

Your primary responsibilities will include drafting, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating consulting agreements and related contractual documents that support the delivery of our professional environmental and social consulting services.

You will also support internal legal processes, maintain accurate legal registers and records, and contribute to corporate governance and risk management initiatives across the organisation. The role may also extend to advising on commercial agreements that support our broader business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake the review of primarily consulting contracts within agreed timeframes
• Analyse all requirements and provisions in contracts, including terms and conditions, to manage risk and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations and company policies and procedures
• Contribute to contract improvement, training, compliance management and enhanced risk management
• Provide sound legal and commercial advice to senior staff to support contractual agreements for consulting services and commercial arrangements to support corporate aspects of the business
• Enhance the contractual risk management identification and communication to reduce company exposure
• Provide support to the Project Directors and Finance to ensure correct billing and other contractual administration
• Align contracts with corporate goals and objectives
• Contribute to contract negotiations and coordinate all changes in and addendums to existing contracts, ensuring key deadlines are met
• Identify and improve policies, procedures and tools for the recording of information about contracts and the production of risk reports
• Provide proficient advice in relation to contract documentation relating to the delivery of professional consulting services. This can include (but is not limited to) contract deeds, agreements, non-disclosure agreements, confidential agreements, panel arrangement, and company compliance and governance documents
• As required work with Legal and Contracts Manager to provide advice and support to their business functions to support business operations

About You:

• Bachelor of Law (LL.B)
• Demonstrated experience in a similar role, with significant exposure as a contract and commercial specialist in a project oriented role
• Knowledge and understanding of the Australian corporate legal, governance and contracts management landscape to support business governance and compliance processes
• Experience in dealing with diverse government and industry stakeholders
• Able to drive outcomes in a fast paced environment, with strong organisational and analytical skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to work effectively under pressure without compromising on quality
• Understanding and/or experience of professional service contracts
• Ability to work with a range of stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for Umwelt’s projects and business opportunities
• Flexibility to travel

What We offer:

Our people are our number one asset, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports our team to grow. As part of our team, you will be offered:

• A role collaborating with experienced professionals to support your growth and development
• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers
• Flexible work arrangements to support a work/life balance
• Opportunities to work nationally across diverse and technically challenging projects
• #MeDays – an Umwelt wellbeing initiative offering staff one extra paid day off per month
• Generous additional hours policy and working away from home benefits
• Opportunities to join Umwelt’s Employee Share Plan (ESP)
• A workplace culture of learning and personal development, with a mix of in-house and externally hosted training opportunities offered as well as mentorship
• Established and well considered wellbeing tools and initiatives and hands-on training
• A competitive salary based on skills and experience

Diversity and Inclusion

At Umwelt, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are all responsible in creating a diverse, inclusive, and accountable culture where employees of all backgrounds and lifestyles feel a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and kindness.

The Umwelt team are privileged to collaborate closely with Indigenous communities across the nation, and we actively pursue the goals outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment not only enriches our workplace culture but also drives innovation and excellence in all that we do. Join us in our mission to create a supportive and equitable workplace where everyone's unique perspectives and contributions are valued.

Join the Umwelt Team

If you believe you meet the criteria for this opportunity, please apply via SEEK. Your application should include a cover letter addressing how you meet the above criteria and your resume outlining your previous experience.

If you would like additional assistance through the recruitment process, please reach out to our friendly HR team at HRManagement@umwelt.com.au

To be eligible for this position you must have legal work rights to work in Australia.