Corporate Solicitor
Are you ready to deliver impact and take on rewarding challenges? We have an exceptional opportunity for a skilled solicitor to join a small, collegial legal team on a 12-month contract. In this role, you’ll support our Group Legal Counsel, while they focus on a critical project, ensuring our legal operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently.
Based in Rotorua, near the iconic Whakarewarewa Forest, Timberlands Limited is a world leader in sustainable forest management. On behalf of the Kaingaroa Timberlands Partnership, we manage New Zealand’s largest plantation forest, the 200,000 ha Kaingaroa Forest Estate, located in the central North Island.
Purpose of the Role:
Supporting our Group Legal Counsel, you will deliver critical legal support across the business, with a primary focus on contracting and property matters. You will be instrumental in managing contractual and reputational risks, ensuring our operations are protected through sound legal practices. Additionally, you will have opportunities to engage with company secretarial duties and contribute to our governance matters, to drive excellence in our legal and compliance function.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide pragmatic and commercial legal advice
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts in collaboration with contract managers.
- Provide clear, practical commercial legal advice on contracts, forestry rights, health and safety, environmental, and related matters to support informed business decision-making.
- Monitor and advise on current and proposed legislation affecting forestry operations, ensuring compliance and proactive preparation for regulatory change.
- Prepare concise reports on legal, contractual, and risk matters to support strategic planning and governance, including legal compliance reporting to the Board.
- Draft and review Company resolutions and other governance documentation as required.
- Support and advise our people in addressing legal issues, compliance obligations and risk management.
- Provide legal guidance on key business projects, managing contractual risks, and enabling successful project delivery through effective collaboration with stakeholders.
- Draft and review organisational policies to ensure alignment with legal requirements, industry standards, and Company objectives.
- Coordinate and manage relationships with external solicitors, shareholders representatives, insurers and other key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Timberlands’ Legal Executive to ensure seamless coordination and efficient management of legal processes.
What We’re Looking For:
- A tertiary qualification in law, with a current practicing certificate and [3-5] years’ proven experience in a solicitor role, ideally in commercial, company, property, or primary industries-related law
- Proficiency in legal research tools and contract management systems (familiarity with ActionStep is desirable, but not essential), with the ability to present complex legal information clearly and concisely.
- Exceptional problem-solving, negotiation, and influencing skills to manage contractual and reputational risks effectively.
- Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, bridging the gap between legal, operational, and business stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to distil complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice.
- Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, including contracts, legal opinions, and governance reports, with a focus on clarity and precision.
- Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning, staying updated on relevant legislation and industry developments.
- A collaborative mindset, with a passion for contributing to a supportive team culture and driving legal excellence.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and curious, with a strong interest in improving legal processes and delivering innovative solutions.
- Someone who is not afraid to get their boots dirty, there’ll be opportunity to get out in the field and you won’t be chained to a desk.
What We Offer:
We’re committed to attracting and retaining outstanding people. In return, you’ll receive:
- A competitive salary
- Health & welfare insurances
- Ongoing professional development training, conference attendance and participation in exciting strategic projects.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment where your contribution is genuinely valued.
This is a 12-month fixed term position based at our Rotorua office. Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid work visa and currently reside in New Zealand.
Apply no later than 5pm, 15 October 2025 and become part of a future-focused team making a difference in one of Aotearoa’s most vital industries.
Apply now
