Newstead, Hamilton 

12-months Fixed-term – with potential to become a permanent position.  

Full-time 

DairyNZ’s story 

Progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming 

Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa 

We are full of people who have a passion for doing good and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable and resilient farm businesses, because a strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.  

Why this role matters  

This is your chance to make an impact in a sector that drives our economy and communities. With continued investment by New Zealand dairy farmers in research and science we have a pipeline of new projects and this role will play a key role in delivering those.   

As a Senior Corporate Solicitor, you’ll play a key role in supporting critical contracting projects and providing practical legal and commercial advice across the organisation. You’ll work closely with the Head of Legal, Risk & Intellectual Property and collaborate with teams influencing the future of dairy farming in New Zealand.  

What you’ll do 

• Support contract negotiations and project proposals – Ensure consistency and clarity in managing research and business agreements.  

• Provide trusted legal advice – Deliver timely, accurate guidance on contracts, co-funding agreements, and supplier engagements. 

• Assess and mitigate risk – Apply sound judgment to identify legal and commercial risks. 

• Collaborate with experts – Work with external advisors on specialist matters. 

• Influence and negotiate – Contribute to stakeholder discussions and positive outcomes. 

• Drive improvement – Help refine legal processes and promote collaboration. 

The complexity of the projects and work will reflect the level of seniority and experience which the successful candidate will bring to the role. This is an opportunity for someone to hone and extend their existing skills to deliver better outcomes.   

What we’re looking for  

• Bachelor of Laws and 12+ years’ experience in contract negotiation and management with a strong foundation in contract law (particularly as applied to research agreements). 

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders. 

• Ability to navigate uncertainty, supporting decision makers to understand and resolve risks, and make informed decisions that fall outside predefined criteria.   

• Comfort with contracting complex projects that requires balancing competing interests and issues.  

• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and ability to work at pace. 

• Ability to self-manage and prioritise work within a team environment.  

Bonus skills: Government procurement (science sector), IP agreements, privacy law, environmental law, biosecurity, or local government experience. 

Why you should join us 

Make a difference - Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Bring the whole you - We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally. 

Join a vibrant culture - Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships. 

Empowering you - We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits. 

Sound good to you? Come join our team who are together making a difference. 

Check out the full position description here to read more detail.  

Applications close Sunday 5 July 2026 at 10.00pm. Screening and shortlisting may begin as applications are received. 

Please note: applicants must currently reside in New Zealand to be considered for this position.