manager legal

Darwin, Australia

Reference:

An exciting opportunity exists to join the City of Darwin team to:

• Lead legal strategy and drive impactful decision-making
• Oversee procurement operations with a focus on compliance and value
• Influence community outcomes through high-impact projects

Background

City of Darwin governs essential community services such as waste management, domestic animal management, playgrounds and recreational facilities, and libraries, and we are committed to investing in community infrastructure, smart technology and environmental initiatives to create a city that is vibrant, creative, innovated, connected and environmentally responsible.

About the Role

We're looking for a capable and driven Legal Counsel to become a key part of our City of Darwin team. This role presents the opportunity to deliver expert legal advice across a wide spectrum of council operations—including commercial, infrastructure, procurement, governance, property, and regulatory matters - while also overseeing the Procurement team.

As a trusted advisor, you'll play a key role in managing legal risk, guiding strategic initiatives, and ensuring procurement activities align with legal and policy frameworks. This is a rare chance to contribute to meaningful projects that directly benefit our community, all within a supportive and forward-thinking environment that fosters professional growth.

About you

Our ideal candidate will be someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated experience showcasing extensive commercial law expertise.
• Demonstrated experience managing and navigating complex procurement agreements, excelling in contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Broad expertise encompassing commercial, corporate, property, privacy, competition, consumer law, and IT regulations.
• Skill in delivering concise, commercially astute, and persuasive legal counsel.
• Experience coordinating and implementing policies, procedures, and work plans to enhance service delivery.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, fostering collaboration and building relationships.

Position prerequisites

• Admission to practice as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory (or eligibility for such admission).
• Minimum of five (5) years legal practice experience
• Eligible to hold an unrestricted practicing certificate in the Northern Territory
• Ability to obtain a National Police Records Check
• Possession of a Class C Drivers Licence

If this sounds interesting to you and for further information regarding this role, please read full position description ) or contact Natalie Williamson on

To apply:

Please upload your CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

For further information regarding this role, please read full position description or contact Natalie Williamson - General Manager Corporate on during business hours. Please note, only applicants that are shortlisted for this role will be contacted.

We accept applications only via our portal.

City of Darwin Talent Acquisition Team can be contacted via:

• Phone:
• Email:
• Website: Employment at Council | City of Darwin Careers - Current Vacancies

Applications close (5pm) 24 September 2025

We are looking forward to receiving your application if you are a direct applicant. Please note that we are not working with recruitment agencies for this position.

The City of Darwin is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply.

As part of Council's recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo pre-employment assessments, such as a Medical Assessment, National Police Check and Psychometric Assessment.

Applications Close: 24 Sep 2025