Principal Legal Officer

Overview

If you're an experienced lawyer with 7+ years in the field, ready to transition into a role that values your expertise while prioritising your well-being, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) may be the perfect fit for you. Say goodbye to the stress of billable hours, weekend work, and endless desk time. NHVR offers:

- A salary of $161,808.27 plus superannuation
- Up to 19.75% superannuation via a co-contribution scheme
- Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home each week
- Rostered day off options
- Additional annual leave

This is your opportunity to bring your legal expertise into a role that supports work-life balance and professional growth.

NHVR operates nationwide, with corporate offices in most States, including our head office in Newstead, Brisbane, which boasts excellent end-of-trip facilities and transport links, including a free shuttle bus between Bowen Hills train station and Newstead.

Role and responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager Legal Services, you will be responsible for providing advice on Commercial, Property and Technology related legal matters arising in the context of the NHVR's broad range of activities. You will also provide legal advice on intellectual property and insurance related matters as required.

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- Providing expert legal advice on commercial, property (leasing) and software transactions including commercial contracts, MOUs, leases, licences, intellectual property matters, and procurement and probity matters;
- Support the NHVR in its dealings with both internal and external parties in relation to complex legal commercial matters and negotiations.
- Supporting legal risk management

You'd be expected to:

- Advise on contracts, leases, licences, insurance, intellectual property, procurement, and compliance
- Lead or support negotiations with contractors, government agencies, and other parties
- Draft and review legal documents, reports, and presentations
- Help shape NHVR's legal strategies and policies
- Promote legal risk management aligned with NHVR's governance standards

NHVR's Legal Services are currently undertaking growth and considerable transformation, and this is an exciting time to join the organisation.

About You

- Strong experience in commercial law and contract negotiation.
- Strong experience in commercial leasing transactions including leases, licences, deeds of variation and other tenure related matters.
- Experience in software contract review and preparation.
- Ability to strategically manage legal risk
- Commercially minded and outcomes focused
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Confidence in negotiating and influencing stakeholders
- Integrity and alignment with NHVR's values

To be successful in this role you will possess

- At least 7 years' experience as a legal practitioner in commercial/regulatory law
- Admission to practice law in the High Court or a State/Territory Supreme Court
- Proven ability to work strategically, flexibly, and independently

Why join us?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) commenced operations in 2013 as the national entity responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. The NHVR minimises the compliance burden on the heavy vehicle transport industry, reduces duplication and inconsistences across state and territory borders, and ultimately for the heavy vehicle business with government in Australia.

We are headquartered in Brisbane and employ more than 1000 people across the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

We offer

- A competitive salary package from $161,808.27 + superannuation
- Options for monthly or fortnightly rostered day off.
- Additional paid leave over Christmas closure.
- Hybrid working environment – up to 2 days from home.
- Wellbeing programs – discounted fitness through Fitness Passport, Discounted health insurance, Flu vaccine, financial programs including discounted banking products, Finance information sessions.
- Salary packaging options, including novated lease.
- Discounted IT products including Microsoft and free family password security plan.
- Ongoing training and professional development support
- Professional membership

Application Process

Please apply with your CV and cover letter addressing the essential requirements of the role.

Applications close: 5.00pm 19th September 2025 (applications may close earlier than the listed closing date if suitable candidate/s are identified prior).

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the NHVR recruitment team on recruitment@nhvr.gov.au. Successful applicants will be required to complete standard pre-employment checks including a national police and work rights check.

Please Note: We will not require any support from Recruitment Agencies at this time and kindly request no contact is made. Only direct applications will be considered.

We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experience and abilities.

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