About the Company

Toyota New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan and in 2023 celebrated 36 years of vehicle market leadership in NZ. As a leading automotive brand in NZ, and head offices in Palmerston North, the organisation is focused on making mobility available to everyone, with accessible, affordable, safe, innovative and technologically advanced vehicles that enhance the lives of New Zealander's. This is a unique opportunity to join a Company that cares about sustainable business practices that support initiatives which protect the environment. The NZ office is headquartered in Palmerston North, where you'd be a part of a vibrant and fun office culture, joining a team that cares about each individual and has each other's back. 

About the Position

Reporting into the General Counsel and working in a close-knit team with a Legal Assistant, this is a diverse role that will see you carrying out work involving:

• Contractual reviews, negotiations and advice such as Master Services Agreements, Sponsorship Agreements, Supply contracts etc
• Regulatory advice - advising on the Consumer Guarantees Act, Fair Trading Act, Privacy legislation and other regulatory matters as they apply to the business
• Assisting with the Company's IP portfolio and disputes with the assistance of external Counsel
• Internal and external stakeholder management - working with various internal teams such as Finance, Marketing and HR to work through legal queries
• General business advice and providing support on new projects

In this role, you would collaborate with colleagues on a daily basis on a variety of legal issues but will also be able to operate with a good level of autonomy. You will report into a General Counsel with a wealth of knowledge about the industry, as well as someone that can mentor you to grow your skills.

Your broader role includes strategically partnering with internal stakeholders and the business to understand their commercial drivers and provide pragmatic advice that is also legally sound. It's key that you can therefore quickly establish rapport and credibility with a variety of people and gain an understanding of the context in which you're carrying out the work. You'd work with external law firms as required on matters that require specialist support and based on internal capacities too.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• 2+ years PQE as a NZ qualified lawyer and a background in some commercial law matters. Experience in consumer law, privacy and regulatory matters would be considered highly advantageous but isn't a must;
• An ability to take initiative and problem solve where required;
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate in plain English, influence and guide internal and external stakeholders on commercial legal matters;
• A naturally commercial mindset with the ability to think strategically and pragmatically; and
• A sense of humour and able to work well as part of a team environment. 

The team is looking for someone that is proactive, with a good attitude to their work and has good interpersonal skills.  They operate in a supportive environment, where there is mutual respect among all. 
  
Benefits
  
Toyota is a business that look after it's staff and as such they currently provide the following benefits:

• Vehicle discount
• Kiwisaver top up above the 3% minimum (i.e. 4% or  more)
• Health insurance via Southern Cross
• Long Service leave
• Subsidised food
• Employee car lease benefits
• Free car parking
• Discretionary staff bonuses

Whether you're looking to make your first move in-house or would like to step into a progressive business where you can make a valued contribution, enquire now to find out if this is the role for you for 2025.

Note: this role is full time and Palmerston North based. 
  
For further information, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now. CoLegal is exclusively handling the recruitment of this position.