CORPORATE COUNSEL

• Full Time
• Application Closes 06 Apr 2026
• Hawkes Bay - Napier
• Lawyer

Napier Port is central New Zealand’s gateway to global markets and a vital contributor to a thriving regional economy. As an NZX‑listed company, we operate in a regulated, safety‑critical, and commercially complex environment, with strong expectations around governance, transparency, and risk management.

You’ll join a collaborative, purpose‑driven organisation with a clear focus:

Together, we build a thriving region by connecting our customers, people and community to the world.

The Role

Reporting to the CFO, the Corporate Counsel provides high‑quality legal counsel and leadership across Napier Port, with a strong focus on listed‑company governance, commercial contracting, compliance and enterprise risk management.

Working closely with the senior leadership and business managers, you will act as trusted first‑line legal adviser, embedding yourself in the business to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice that supports sound decision‑making in an NZX‑listed environment.

This role offers genuine breadth, influence, and the opportunity to shape how legal, compliance, and risk practices are applied across a complex infrastructure business.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Acting as first‑line legal adviser on commercial, corporate, governance, and compliance matters.
• Supporting or leading negotiations, contracting, and business development activity.
• Strengthening corporate governance practices, including maintaining and developing governance documents and policies, and supporting with board matters.
• Supporting company secretarial activities and maintaining corporate records.
• Promoting a proactive and commercially focused risk culture across the business. 
• Leading and embedding effective compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Supporting or leading enterprise projects, strategic initiatives and engagement with external agencies.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years’ post‑qualification including experience in corporate, commercial, or similar legal counsel roles.
• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a current practising certificate.
• Expertise in commercial and company law, with working knowledge of other areas relevant to corporates such as health & safety and property.
• Advanced experience negotiating and drafting commercial contracts.
• Experience advising senior leaders in complex or regulated environments (listed, infrastructure advantageous).
• Leadership capability with experience embedding frameworks and processes to support delivery of business objectives.
• Sound judgement, strong commercial acumen, and a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to build effective relationships across a diverse range of stakeholders.
• A values‑led approach aligned with Accountability, Trust, Integrity, Ethical & Authentic Leadership, and Adaptability.

Why Napier Port?

• An influential in‑house role with genuine breadth and autonomy and with scope to grow.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior leadership in an NZX-listed environment.
• A values‑driven organisation committed to safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• A role where your legal advice directly supports regional growth and community outcomes.

Applications close: Monday 6th April 2026

Eligibility: You must have the right to work in New Zealand.

To apply: Submit your CV and a brief cover letter via SEEK, LinkedIn, or the Napier Port website.

Napier Port values diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.