COLAS Australia, a leader in the Road Construction and Maintenance Industry, continues to expand its operations throughout Australia and New Zealand as a company which is now supported locally by over 700 employees, across 15 work sites in 5 states. Colas is a subsidiary of the Bouygues Group which includes over 200,000 staff worldwide.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our team in Macquarie Park. Reporting to the Group General Counsel, you will work closely with operational, commercial, procurement, and finance teams, providing practical and commercially focused legal advice that supports the successful delivery of projects and the growth of the business. You will play a key role in ensuring legal considerations are embedded early in decision-making while balancing risk management with commercial outcomes.
This position contributes to the leadership of the legal function, supports the development of legal strategy, and helps build legal capability across the organisation. You will oversee complex legal matters across construction, infrastructure, and corporate operations, while mentoring and developing legal talent within the team.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Partner with the business to provide strategic legal advice across Australia and New Zealand.
- Oversee legal advice relating to contracts, procurement, compliance, governance, and risk.
- Support the Group General Counsel in the drafting, review, negotiation, and management of complex:
- Construction contracts
- Consultancy agreements
- Supply contracts
- Service agreements
- Advise project teams on project delivery matters, risk allocation, claims management, and commercial outcomes.
- Lead the management of disputes, including:
- Security of Payment Act matters
- Pre-litigation claims
- Engagement with external legal counsel
- Drive early dispute resolution strategies to minimise commercial, operational, and reputational impacts.
- Support governance, workplace health and safety, privacy, insurance, and broader compliance obligations.
- Develop and enhance legal templates, standard form agreements, policies, and training materials.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and translate them into practical business guidance.
- Represent the business in negotiations with clients, joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, and contractors.
- Contribute to the broader legal strategy and objectives of the legal function.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a direct report, fostering a high-performing legal team.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with a current unrestricted NSW practising certificate.
- Significant post-qualification experience, preferably within construction, infrastructure, engineering, or major projects environments.
- Strong experience in drafting, negotiating, and administering complex commercial and construction contracts.
- Demonstrated experience managing disputes, claims, and litigation matters.
- A strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to provide pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing legal professionals.
- The ability to balance legal risk with business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
Culture and Benefits
At COLAS Australia our people are vital to our success. Our employees make us different and set us apart from our competitors. Our goal is to attract, retain and develop visionary, talented, and passionate individuals. Our people are central to everything we do.
The successful applicant will be rewarded with:
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A competitive salary package
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Annual renumeration reviews
- Flexible Work Arrangements
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Paid Parental Leave Program
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Life insurance & health care benefits
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Corporate fitness program + discounts on healthy meals, active wear, supplements + more!
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Employee recognition & assistance programs
Colas Australia Group does not accept any unsolicited resume referrals from Recruitment Agencies. Colas Australia Group will not pay any placement fees relating to unsolicited resume referrals.
To view more: www.colas.com.au/job-vacancies/
“Colas Australia are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander & people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply”
