About the role

The Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships , provides expert, commercially focused legal advice on major infrastructure and PPP projects across Victoria. The role covers contract management, construction, land, IT, disputes and broader commercial matters across transport and other major public assets and services. Working with legal, commercial, technical and external stakeholders, the role supports strategic objectives and value-for-money outcomes.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include managing external legal advisers, drafting and reviewing key documents, identifying emerging legal risks and developments, and providing advice that supports sound strategy and decision‑making.

What we’re looking for

You’re someone who:

- Brings robust legal expertise, independently providing complex legal advice and drafting and negotiating sophisticated documents while managing legal and commercial risk.
- Is a strategic and analytical problem‑solver, considering broader business and organisational contexts to develop practical, effective solutions.
- Builds trusted stakeholder relationships and uses influence and persuasion to achieve agreement, collaboration and strong outcomes across complex environments.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability, remaining calm and decisive under pressure and adjusting strategies when circumstances or priorities change.
- Works collaboratively and with strong organisational awareness, navigating competing interests, decision‑making processes, ethics and legal obligations to deliver effective outcomes.





Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

- Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate (Mandatory).
- A minimum of 4 years post‑qualification experience (Desirable)
- Experience in private practice, government or in‑house with a broad range of commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably (Desirable).

Pre‑employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre‑employment screening and reference checks will be required. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re‑employment restrictions apply.

Important information

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

For further information about the role, please contact Martin John, Senior Legal Counsel, Public Private Partnerships, at <(email protected)> or .

Redeployees If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

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📌 Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Transport and Planning
📍 Melbourne