General Counsel – Supplier to Construction Industry – Permanent – Sydney

SUMMARY:

An outstanding General Counsel (Australian & New Zealand) position at a global supplier to the construction industry.

THE COMPANY:

An established global supplier to the construction industry, with many well-known brands and over 130 branches nationwide. Backed by a major international group, it combines local expertise with global sourcing, strong supply chain partnerships, and innovation in customer service and digital solutions.

THE ROLE:

You will lead the legal function for Australia and New Zealand, providing strategic and operational legal support across the business. You will work closely with senior management to provide strategic and pragmatic solutions across a broad range of commercial contracts and disputes, property leasing, competition law, regulatory, and corporate governance matters.

· Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including procurement contracts, trading terms, marketing arrangements, and tenders.

· Advise on property matters for over 100 leased sites, including lease negotiations and related documentation.

· Manage disputes, litigation, and debt recovery, engaging external counsel as needed.

· Oversee compliance and corporate governance, including director advisory and regulatory obligations.

· Provide legal advice on employment, WHS, competition, privacy, and IT issues.

· Work with senior leadership to identify and manage risks and improve legal and compliance processes.

· Location: Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW (parking available).

· Manage and mentor a mid-level lawyer.

ABOUT YOU:

You are a senior legal professional with extensive commercial law experience who can operate effectively in complex, fast-paced environments. You combine strong technical expertise with a pragmatic, business-focused approach.

· Current Australian Practicing Certificate and at least 8 years' post-qualification experience in a reputable law firm and/or in-house.

· Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts.

· Ability to provide clear, practical advice to senior executives and operational teams.

· Experience in B2B distribution, industrial, or other complex operational businesses is desirable.

· Familiarity with property law and leasing is advantageous but not essential.

· Strong commercial awareness, financial literacy, and stakeholder management skills.

· Solutions-focused mindset with ability to balance strategic priorities and operational demands.

ON OFFER:

· Grow your career within a leading international building products distribution company with an extensive Australian presence.

· Autonomy and the ability to shape the legal function.

· Work within a high-performing management team in their Australian head office.

· A collegiate and supportive environment.

· Working closely with the leadership team and have input in the direction of the business.

· The chance to utilise your legal expertise along with your commercial and management skills.

· Hybrid and flexible working.

· Increase your professional and technical capability by working and learning from colleagues at the top of their game.

· Varied and interesting work – supporting every function within the business.

· Salary: Circa $275K including super.

NEXT STEPS

This role is filling quickly, so if you want to explore this opportunity further, please apply, and we will contact you shortly.  Alternatively, if you would like to have a confidential conversation first, please contact Lee Hogben at Dovetail Legal Solutions, to arrange an initial chat.

DOVETAIL

Founded in 2015, Dovetail is Australia's only dedicated in-house legal recruiter. We've made over 400 placements, assisted hundreds of companies, and helped grow the careers of thousands of lawyers. Call us to see if we can help you.