Assistant Director- Commercial and Contract

Within Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force, the Directorate of Legal Services is a team of legal specialists who provide strategic level legal services to CDF, the Single Service Chiefs and their staff and the other senior Defence Force personnel.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Director Resources Law (Contract and Commercial), this position is a part of a collegial team focused on NZDF's deliverables in the Contract and Commercial Law field of resources law.

It focuses on broader contracts and commercial work, and the incoming person will be required to provide timely, accurate, and effective legal advice to maintain NZDF’s legal reputation, minimise legal risk and ensure legal compliance on operations and activities.

There will be an opportunity to provide legal advice across ad hoc contracts as well as large-scale, project-driven activities including significant procurement projects, investments and other high-value initiatives. Stakeholder engagement is another key component of this role, requiring close collaboration with internal teams, and at times, external stakeholders.

This role is based in Wellington CBD with excellent flexibility on offer with the ability to work from home two days per week.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

• Intermediate to senior level of post admission experience in contracts and commercial law is essential (minimum 3 PQE required).
• Additional expertise in any of the following areas will be advantageous but not essential: construction law, environmental law, public law and/or the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder engagement - building strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication will be essential to success.
• An ability to affectively communicate and advise on complex issues, both orally and in writing – good drafting skills will be important.
• LLB Degree and the ability to hold a practising certificate as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, or Commonwealth qualified.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand and be able to obtain and maintain the required level of NZ Government security clearance for the position applied for.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all their benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Robert Walters is exclusively managing this recruitment for NZDF. Applications close at 26 October 2026 at 12pm, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested. If you’d like to join NZDF in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives, then apply now. Or, for a confidential discussion contact Apryl Burgess +64 27 816 9899 l apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. They embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. If you require any support throughout this recruitment process, please let us know.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Apryl Burgess on +6444719721.