• Exciting, newly created opportunity
• Provide legal and strategic advice on NZ and global matters
• Undertake diverse and stimulating legal work in a stunning NZ region
• Nelson based

Here is an exciting opportunity to join a highly successful, New Zealand owned and operated business as its first General Counsel.

About the company

Talley’s Limited is a multi-division, international company that’s proudly New Zealand owned and operated, bringing the best New Zealand seafood, mussels, vegetables, and ice cream products locally and to the world. With over 2,000 employees across 13 South Island locations and one in Auckland, Talley’s is committed to excellence in everything they do. Talley’s stand by the impeccable quality of their products and their growing team of skilled workers as they bring healthy, delicious food to dinner tables near and far.

About the role

Reporting to the CFO, in this newly created role as General Counsel, you will establish and manage Talley’s internal legal function and develop systems and processes to proactively identify and manage risk.

This is a 'hands on' and influential leadership role in which you will deliver pragmatic, commercial and solutions focused advice on a diverse range of strategic and operational matters, ensuring that risk and commerciality are well balanced, and all operations are compliant with relevant legislation.

If you enjoy working on a broad range of legal matters where there is never a dull day, then this role will be ideal! The remit of legal work is extraordinarily varied with local and global dimensions. This includes advising on commercial and contractual arrangements, corporate law and governance matters, disputes and litigation, employment, health & safety, IP, competition, property, environmental and risk and compliance matters. In addition, you’ll contribute your expertise to strategic projects, ensure the business is updated on legal and regulatory change, deliver internal training in relevant areas and manage relationships with external legal providers.

You may be stepping up to your first General Counsel role or seeking to consolidate your previous experience at General Counsel level. Either way you will genuinely enjoy rolling up your sleeves, getting to know the Talley’s business and its people, and working collaboratively across all levels to drive business success. As the first in-house legal resource for Talley’s, you will champion the legal function, establish relationships as a trusted advisor and provide expert legal guidance to enhance business initiatives and strategic priorities.

What we are looking for

• Qualified lawyer with NZ practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one).
• A minimum of 8 years' PQE ideally with a background in corporate and commercial law and with flexibility to work across diverse legal areas.
• A high level of commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, solutions focused advice.
• Proven leadership skills and strategic ability.
• Strong legal analysis, interpretation and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills - an effective communicator who builds relationships with a collaborative and consultative style.
• Results driven with the ability to identify and improve processes.
• Ability to manage priorities and work flexibly and at pace, to meet the needs of the business.
• Positive, approachable and enthusiastic engagement style.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a newly created General Counsel role as your own and excel in an environment that fosters a culture of excellence, and where every voice is heard and every idea matters. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams, shape strategic initiatives and contribute to Talley’s continued success story, all while enjoying the vast array of lifestyle benefits on offer in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Williams at Williams Legal Recruitment on 027 220 8003 or jw@williamslegalrecruitment.co.nz.