Be the trusted legal voice behind exciting projects and innovative policy initiatives Lead complex, high-impact commercial legal matters that help shape outcomes for communities across NSW.

Temporary (Up to 11 months) full-time opportunity.

Office based in Parramatta or Newcastle with flexible working supported | Other NSW office locations by negotiation Salary ranges from $155,764 to $181,393 + super. Placement within the salary band will be determined in line with current classification arrangements. Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career.

In this role, you will contribute to shaping lives and communities across NSW, while shaping your own career. You will enjoy flexible work options, varied and impactful projects, and a vibrant,

diverse team culture built on collaboration, inclusion and support. We are creating a workplace where everyone belongs and where you can balance work, life and wellbeing. The role As a Principal Legal Officer in the Commercial & Innovation Legal team, you'll provide trusted legal advice on complex and often high-profile commercial legal matters that help shape outcomes across planning, housing and infrastructure in

NSW. Working closely with senior leaders, business units and external stakeholders, you'll lead legal matters from start to finish, manage legal risks, and deliver practical, solutions-focused advice to support exciting projects and innovative policy initiatives. You’ll work across a range of commercial transactions relevant to DPHI, including procurement, intellectual property, construction, grants, and technology solutions, including cyber security and emerging technologies like AI.

Your role will encompass

Providing specialist, timely and client focused legal advice on complex areas of law and policy to Ministers, the Secretary, senior executives and staff of DPHI to support strategic decision-making and appropriately manage legal risk.

Advising on high-value and complex projects and procurements to drive timely and regulatory robust outcomes in line with NSW Government objectives and timeframes.

Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of contracts and other legal documents.

Engaging with a range of stakeholders to build strong relationships and deliver client focused legal services.





Supervising and mentoring legal staff to ensure quality service delivery and expand the team’s legal capability.

Keeping abreast of contemporary legal advancements, particularly in relevant areas of legal expertise and emerging areas of innovation and technology.

Undertaking research and analysis, providing options, making recommendations on complex matters and developing solutions to achieve positive client and DPHI outcomes. For more information about this position, read the full Role Description:

Principal Legal Officer

[https://secure.dc2.pageuppeople.com/apply/TransferRichTextFile.ashx?sData=UFUtVjMt1WiIkvcoy3OsTQH5PEjZoxHRNEaXPUyXgt6WSOxrQPFgsb01-RMSHEeBTsGzpXPCpKKCDKsxXcNprK-bWmqTBqahwM4GB-RWw5dtO239_KVPlZIHYPX9xivMtiYg67vlRcVNMAEjdvvgjsDdnYgByA%7e%7e] What you will bring to the role Extensive experience providing strategic legal advice on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters, with the ability to balance legal risk, policy objectives and operational outcomes.

Demonstrated expertise in leading the drafting and negotiation of one or more of the following:

commercial contracts, including ICT, IP, construction and other procurements; and grant arrangements and funding agreements.

Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships, influence outcomes and translate complex legal issues into practical advice for diverse audiences.

A collaborative leadership style, with experience mentoring others, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive team culture.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity and deliver timely, solutions-focused outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Extensive inhouse or private practice commercial legal experience.

What is an essential requirement:

Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate.

About Us At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure





[https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/department-of-planning-housing-and-infrastructure] (DPHI),

you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together,

we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property. We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW.

As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With versatile work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day. Join us If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter.

We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us. Applications close at 11:55PM on Sunday 9 August 2026. Should you require further information about the role please contact Aimee Allan on [email protected] [[email protected]].

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide

[https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-05/dphi-working-with-us-guide-for-aboriginal-applicants.pdf] to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways

[https://nswdpie.tfaforms.net/1025] team for a yarn. We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments

[https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/adjustments-for-individual-needs] that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [email protected] [[email protected]] or (02)

63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference

'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'. Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working

Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.

📌 Principal Legal Officer (Newcastle)
🏢 DCCEEW NSW
📍 Newcastle