General Counsel & Company Secretary – Join the Executive Team in a Newly Established Organisation

• Executive leadership role with direct Board & Chief Executive exposure
• Lead legal, governance & risk through a significant period of establishment and transition
• Shape an enduring organisation delivering essential services for Waikato communities

A rare opportunity to shape the legal and governance foundations of a newly established organisation delivering essential infrastructure for the Waikato.

About the role

Waikato Waters is seeking an experienced General Counsel to join its Executive Leadership Team in a pivotal three-year fixed-term role.

As a trusted adviser to the Board and Chief Executive, you will lead the legal and governance function as water services transfer from six councils into one new entity. You will provide strategic legal and commercial advice, strengthen governance and risk frameworks, and ensure regulatory and statutory obligations are effectively managed throughout this significant period of change.

Your remit will span governance and company secretariat, major capital works, procurement and commercial arrangements, risk and assurance, privacy and disclosure. You will also build strong relationships with councils, regulators, iwi partners and advisers, providing clear and pragmatic leadership in a highly regulated and high-scrutiny environment.

Based in Hamilton, this is a full-time position with flexibility.  Given the seniority and stakeholder-facing nature of this role, consistent onsite presence will be an essential element of your success. 

What we’re looking for

• An experienced qualified lawyer with at least 12 years’ senior in-house legal leadership experience within a complex, regulated environment with a current New Zealand practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain one.
• Solid experience managing legal, regulatory, commercial and reputational risk
• Strong commercial judgement across contracting, procurement and major projects
• Experience establishing or developing governance, risk and assurance frameworks
• The credibility and judgement to operate effectively at Board and executive level
• Confidence engaging with iwi and Māori partners, with respect for te ao Māori and tikanga Māori
• Experience within utilities, infrastructure, water or a similarly regulated sector would be highly desirable

About the company

Waikato Waters is a newly established, publicly owned water services organisation bringing together water services from six councils into one entity. This is an important period in its establishment, with the organisation building the governance, systems and capability required to deliver effectively for its communities over the long term.

Its leadership culture is grounded in responsibility, integrity, respect, collective leadership and leading through change. This is an environment that values sound judgement, transparency and collaboration, with the opportunity to help build something enduring for Waikato communities and the taiao.

Te mana o te wai, te mana o te tangata – Healthy water, healthy people.

How do I apply?  

Click on “Apply Now”. Alternatively, contact us directly and quote reference number 1752147

Kathryn Cross BMus LLB 

027 700 8049 | kathryn.cross@artemisnz.com 

Artemis Executive Recruitment is committed to creating inclusive and respectful workplaces.  We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our client organisations.

At Artemis Executive Recruitment, we connect remarkable people with great places to work.