Legal Manager National Office

Based in National Office Wellington Plenty of people engagement and across a variety of areas of law Deal with interesting and challenging legal issues alongside a team of exceptional lawyers Be part of a collaborative and supportive management team Mō mātou | About us At Oranga Tamariki, we are committed to ensuring that tamariki and rangatahi are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is that New Zealand values the wellbeing of tamariki above all else, and our purpose is to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where their oranga can be realised. We put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga is a journey Our National Office Legal team is a respected and high-performing group of legal professionals who provide strategic legal advice and services across the organisation. Working at the centre of government and public sector decision‑making, the team partners with senior leaders to navigate complex legal issues, support organisational priorities, and help achieve better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. We are committed to incorporating Te Ao Māori principles into our work and recognise the importance of whakapapa, whanaungatanga and partnerships in supporting positive outcomes for tamariki Māori. Mō te tūnga | About the role This is an influential senior leadership opportunity for an experienced legal professional who is passionate about making a difference through exceptional legal leadership. Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, you will lead the National Office Legal team and play a key role in shaping the strategic direction and delivery of legal services across Oranga Tamariki. You will ensure the organisation receives timely, high-quality and pragmatic legal advice that enables effective decision‑making and supports the delivery of services to tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. You will work closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and leaders across enabling functions, providing expert legal guidance on complex organisational, policy, governance and operational matters. As a trusted advisor, you will help identify and manage legal risk, influence strategic outcomes, and contribute to organisational change initiatives. Key responsibilities Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing team of legal professionals. Setting the standard for legal service delivery and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. Providing strategic legal advice on issues that impact the organisation and the people we serve. Supporting organisational priorities and transformation initiatives through proactive legal partnership. Building and maintaining effective relationships across government, Crown entities and the wider legal sector. Promoting a culturally responsive approach that reflects Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments and Te Ao Māori principles. Contributing to the Government Legal Network and supporting system-wide legal leadership across the public sector. Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring To be successful in this role, you will be an accomplished legal leader with a track record of delivering strategic advice in complex environments and leading teams through change. A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current New Zealand practising certificate. Significant experience providing legal advice at a senior level within a large and complex organisation. Proven people leadership experience, including developing high-performing and diverse teams. Experience leading organisational change and translating strategy into action. Strong understanding of public sector legislation, policy development and machinery of government. Knowledge of family law, public law, privacy law, official information, the legislative process and other areas relevant to a government environment. Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills. An understanding of tikanga Māori and a commitment to working in ways that uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support better outcomes for Māori. Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate ambiguity with confidence and pragmatism. Most importantly, you will be a collaborative and values-driven leader who is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that provides annual progression through tenure and experience. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $174,846-$193,569. Vibrant and supportive team environment, flexible working arrangements, and a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing. You’ll have access to ongoing professional development opportunities. The chance to work alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference for tamariki and rangatahi. To learn more about the benefits of working with Oranga Tamariki, visit Employee Benefits. Applications close at midnight on 16 August. #J-18808-Ljbffr