Principal Lawyer

Play a leading role in shaping commercial outcomes across diverse projects.

We're seeking a highly experienced and commercially minded Principal Lawyer – Commercial to partner with our Commercial and Projects teams as the key legal advisor and strategic business partner.

This position offers the opportunity to influence major initiatives across leasing, licensing, hospitality, and construction, while ensuring the organisation's legal and compliance obligations are met.

About the Role

As the Principal Lawyer – Commercial, you'll act as the subject matter expert for all commercial and project-related legal matters. You'll work closely with senior executives and operational teams to provide practical, timely, and commercially focused legal advice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the central contact for all legal matters relating to commercial operations and projects.
• Providing high-quality, timely legal and strategic advice to the EGM Commercial, EGM Strategy and Acquisitions, and the wider business.
• Leading and supporting contract negotiations and documentation.
• Engaging and managing external legal providers when specialised expertise is required.
• Monitoring compliance with Queensland, Federal, and other relevant legislation and implementing necessary updates.
• Identifying and minimising legal risks, recommending improvements to operational practices.
• Supporting the ongoing development of legal frameworks, templates, and processes.
• Providing input and advice for M&A activities when required.
• Promoting a culture of safety, sustainability, and risk awareness.
• Applying organisational policies to identify and respond to cyber security risks.

About You

You're a confident legal professional who combines strong technical capability with commercial acumen and a collaborative mindset. You build trusted relationships with stakeholders across all levels and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

To be successful, you'll bring:

Essential:

• Admission to practice as a barrister or solicitor in an Australian State or Territory Supreme Court or the High Court of Australia.
• Eligibility to hold a Queensland Practising Certificate (Restricted – In-house Lawyer).
• Eligibility to hold an Aviation Security Identification Card and pass an AFP check.
• Minimum 10 years' post-admission experience.

Desirable:

• Broad commercial legal experience across contracts, property, and projects.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience developing and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.
• Solid organisational and technical skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and SharePoint.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Why ADG?

At Airport Development Group, we take pride in creating a workplace that supports growth, balance, and wellbeing. You'll be part of a values-driven organisation that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. From ongoing development opportunities and a supportive leadership team to additional leave entitlements for eligible staff, we believe in recognising and rewarding your contributions. We also offer access to a comprehensive wellbeing program and salary packaging options.

Working at ADG means being part of a team that connects communities across the Northern Territory, and your work will directly contribute to our commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your application with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Join Us & Make an Impact

At ADG we embrace equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Join a forward-thinking team where your expertise will make a real impact. If you're a self-motivated professional with a passion for
Aviation Safety and Standards,
we'd love to hear from you.

Agencies should note that unsolicited resumes or floated profiles will not be accepted for this position and ADG will not pay any fees related to resumes that are submitted directly to hiring managers and not through our approved process. Where appropriate, the Talent Manager will work with our preferred panel of agencies to source candidates for roles.