Hamilton City Council (HCC) and Waikato District Council (WDC) are forming a new joint Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) that will take over the provision of water services from 1 July 2026.  During the next 12 months, both Councils have committed to an establishment team to support the transition to the new CCO.   

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

The Legal Executive position is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the legal and contracts work associated with establishing the CCO to ensure contracts are in place for Day 1.

Working closely with key stakeholders including Council teams, the role will provide high-quality legal assistance to draft contracts and agreements to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and alignment with the organisational objectives and legal framework. This role does require experience with commercial contracts and public entities.  

This is a fixed term position to 30 June 2026.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Legal Executive, or similar legal qualification. 
• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar position.
• Prior experience working with local government, with council-controlled organisations, or in a similar (infrastructure) industry would be preferred.
• Experience with commercial contracts and Public Entities.
• Experience merging complex organisations would be a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 
• Excellent ability to review, write and assist in the collation of contracts and legal documentation.
• Strong understanding of legal and commercial information relating to contracts.
• Working knowledge of legislation relevant to local government utilities and waters including waters legislation, the Local Government Act, Resource Management Act, etc.
• High attention to detail with ability to plan ahead, prioritise, prepare and organise complex information.
• High emotional intelligence, strong interpersonal awareness, and exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-moving, sometimes ambiguous and politically nuanced environments.
• Professional approach to work, proven leadership qualities with the ability to model executive-level behaviour while ensuring smooth execution of duties.
• Strong political and contextual awareness at a local, regional, or national level. 
• Understanding of governance and decision-making processes in the public sector context.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Dependent on skills and experience.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the position description.
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 30/06/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.