Character count - 5100
Are you a commercially savvy lawyer looking for an opportunity to do more than provide legal advice? Do you want to work for one of NZ's most recognised and respected brands?
We're looking for an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our Legal & Compliance team. This role is suited to a lawyer with significant commercial contracting experience who is comfortable operating autonomously and taking ownership of complex legal matters.
Reporting to the General Counsel & Senior Manager, Compliance, you'll play a key role in helping shape business decisions, manage risk, and support commercial success across Toyota NZ.
This is a rare opportunity to step into an in-house role where you'll influence strategic outcomes and tackle a broad range of interesting legal challenges. From negotiating complex commercial agreements to advising on advertising, consumer and privacy law matters, no two days will be the same.
We're looking for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, thrives on solving problems, and can confidently navigate legal complexity while keeping commercial outcomes front of mind. If you're someone who likes rolling up your sleeves, taking ownership, and making a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Head Office is based in Palmerston North however we are open to candidates being based in either our Palmerston North Head Office, Toyota New Zealand's Auckland office, or remotely in Wellington. If based in Auckland or Wellington travel to Head Office will be required.
About You
You're an experienced lawyer with strong commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to managing legal risk. You are confident operating independently, taking ownership of complex legal matters, and providing clear, commercially focused advice that supports business decision-making. You build trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels and are comfortable influencing outcomes, navigating ambiguity, and balancing legal risk with commercial objectives.
You have a track record of managing competing priorities while delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment. You enjoy solving problems, finding practical solutions, and working across a broad range of legal issues. You're resourceful, adaptable, and able to quickly assess unfamiliar issues, identify the right path forward, and deliver sound, practical advice with minimal supervision.
Equally important, you're a collaborative team player who values strong working relationships and enjoys partnering with people across the organisation to achieve successful business outcomes.
You will also have:
- A minimum of 7 years' PQE.
- Strong experience in commercial contracting & ideally consumer and privacy law.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex legal matters & provide commercially pragmatic advice with minimal supervision.
- Strong commercial acumen & sound judgement.
- Proven stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- A current NZ Practising Certificate.
- A full clean NZ Driver Licence.
At Toyota New Zealand we value our team and are proud to offer:
- Southern Cross Health Insurance
- Staff purchasing benefits & discounts across our range of products
- 4%+ KiwiSaver contribution
- Long service leave
- Fantastic job security
- Learning & development opportunities – from a company that highly values the development of its people!
- Opportunity to work for a global, well-respected organisation
- Excellent team & company culture
So who are we?
Toyota NZ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan and in 2025 celebrated 38 years of vehicle market leadership in NZ. As the leading automotive brand in NZ, Toyota is focused on winning the hearts of New Zealand through exceptional customer experience and mobility for all. We want to make mobility available to everyone, with accessible, affordable, safe innovation and technology that enhances New Zealanders’ lives. We are a brand that is accessible to all Kiwis, and we back positive progress in NZ society through our own behaviours, community involvement, sponsorships, and inclusivity of all New Zealanders.
At Toyota NZ we celebrate diversity. We are an employer committed to the principles of equal opportunity and supporting individuals from all walks of life. Toyota NZ is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you have any special requirements that would help you put your best foot forward in the recruitment process, please let us know in your application message.
What next?
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact within a high-performing organisation and bring your legal expertise to one of New Zealand’s most recognised brands, we'd love to hear from you.
This role is being managed by QJumpers HR Assist. For a confidential discussion please contact Annette Weatherall on 07 9272777.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in NZ. Toyota NZ is a wholly owned
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
