Director Legal

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within KBR's Australian Legal team, partnering with senior business leaders to shape outcomes across some of Australia's most significant Defence projects.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity and can be based in Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.

The successful candidate must be able to hold an Australian Government Baseline security clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

- Lead the delivery of legal services across KBR's Australian operations, supporting Defence projects.
- Provide strategic legal advice on complex, high-risk and business-critical matters, balancing legal risk with commercial outcomes.
- Lead the drafting, negotiation, review and approval of complex commercial, government and quasi-government contracts.
- Partner with business leaders on major bids and tenders, providing advice on contracting strategy, negotiations and risk allocation.
- Advise on Australian Government contracting and procurement frameworks, including fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts.
- Support strategic transactions, including joint ventures, alliances and other commercial partnerships.
- Oversee disputes, claims and investigations, coordinating with external legal counsel where required.
- Lead, mentor and develop Senior Legal Counsel and other members of the legal team, ensuring high-quality legal advice and professional growth.
- Drive continuous improvement through the development of legal policies, processes, templates and governance frameworks.
- Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across operational, commercial and corporate functions.
- Manage allocated legal budgets, including external legal spend, in line with KBR governance and delegation requirements.





Ideal Candidate

- Admission as an Australian legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
- Extensive post-qualification experience, including significant in‑house legal experience.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing legal teams within Australia or a comparable common law jurisdiction.
- Deep expertise in Australian Government contracting, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance.
- Experience advising on complex commercial negotiations, joint ventures, disputes and strategic projects.
- Robust commercial acumen, with the ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and partner with senior executives and business leaders.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical business advice.
- Sound judgement, high professional integrity and the ability to navigate competing legal, commercial and stakeholder priorities.
- A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring others, building capability and continuously improving legal service delivery.

What We Offer

- A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work
- Flexible working
- Competitive salary (including annual reviews)
- Paid parental leave
- Income protection
- Corporate rewards
- Salary packaging/Novated leasing
- Employee stock purchase plans
- Flu shots, skin checks and discounted private health insurance
- Career development: Online learning, mentorship and career pathways

Shortlisting will take place as applications are received, therefore the advertisement may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.

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📌 Director Legal (Melbourne)
🏢 Kbr
📍 Melbourne