Senior Legal Counsel, Australasia

Our Story

At Inchcape, we are a global leader in automotive distribution and retail, representing some of the world's most iconic vehicle brands. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we deliver outstanding customer experiences and operational efficiency across our supply chain.

About the Role

Based at our Norwest office, the Senior Legal Counsel - Australasia is responsible for leading the legal function across Inchcape's Australian and New Zealand businesses. Reporting to the General Counsel - APAC, you will manage a team of three while also remaining hands-on with delivering timely, high-value, and commercially astute legal advice.

This is a senior role that balances leadership with operational delivery. You will advise on complex commercial contracts, M&A, competition and consumer law, franchising, property, privacy, and compliance matters. You will also partner with executives and business leaders, manage relationships with regulators and external counsel, and play a key role in legal training and compliance initiatives across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational legal advice across commercial contracts, consumer law, competition law, privacy, franchising, and property.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three direct reports.
• Advise on M&A, business acquisitions, and divestments, including coordination with external counsel.
• Draft, review, and negotiate major agreements including supplier, distribution, dealer, franchise, sponsorship, and property contracts.
• Manage litigation and disputes while overseeing external legal counsel.
• Develop and deliver legal compliance training, policies, and frameworks (ACL, Privacy, etc.).
• Support the General Counsel - APAC in implementing regional and global legal initiatives.
• Liaise with regulators and industry bodies (e.g., ACCC, FCAI) as required.
• Oversee the Group's Intellectual Property portfolio.

About You

You are a senior, commercially minded legal professional with proven leadership skills and the ability to roll up your sleeves and deliver practical advice. You thrive in a fast-moving environment, build trusted relationships across all levels of the business, and are confident translating complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance.

You will also bring:

• A Bachelor of Law and an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• 12–15 years' PQE across private practice and in-house (in-house essential).
• Strong commercial law experience.
• Expertise in Contract Law, Franchise Law, Competition Law, ACL, Privacy Law, and Consumer Finance.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Proven litigation management experience, including working with external counsel.
• Strong compliance background, including policy development and training delivery.
• Leadership experience across teams of 2–4 people.
• Automotive industry experience and/or exposure to NZ jurisdictions will be highly regarded.
• Current driver's licence and flexibility for occasional interstate travel.

Why join Inchcape?

• Where possible, our flexible work policy helps support you in achieving a genuine work-life balance.
• Thorough and ongoing training provided to support you in all aspects of your role.
• Career and development opportunities – providing you with a sense of purpose and direction, you drive your destiny with Inchcape.
• Supportive team environment – we foster a positive and supportive team culture and thrive on working well together.
• Enjoy more time doing what you love with additional days off including an annual Wellbeing Leave Day and annual Volunteering Leave Day each year.
• Recognition and Rewards – we recognise individual and team accomplishments.
• Access to our employee benefits program including company car rental program and discounts on vehicle purchases, plus many more

Inchcape Australia is proud to be certified as a Family Inclusive Workplace, recognising our commitment to supporting colleagues with diverse family and caring responsibilities. Here, you'll be empowered to thrive both at work and at home.