Head of Legal – Transport Company – Permanent

Head of Legal – Transport Company – Permanent A leading national transport company is looking for its first

Head of Legal.

A Senior Leadership Role reporting directly to the CEO and a member of the Executive Team.

Rare opportunity to build and shape the legal function within a growing business and to play a meaningful role in shaping governance, risk, and commercial decision‑making within a flexible, hybrid environment, supported by a collaborative executive team and a strong growth agenda.

The business is in a period of growth and evolution, with a clear strategic direction and an Executive Team committed to strong governance and sustainable performance. The company is embarking on a commercial, process and technology transformation. This is an exciting time to be part of a reenergised commercial team, implementing changes and improving efficiency.

THE COMPANY A leading national transport company with more than 200 employees and a turnover exceeding $700 million, with branches throughout Australia.

THE ROLE In this role, you will build and lead the legal function, focusing on commercial contract law, employment law, and commercial property law. This full‑time, permanent position is based in Melbourne with a hybrid model of three days in the office and two days working from home.

Key responsibilities:

Provide legal support by drafting and negotiating customer contracts, supplier agreements, and employment contracts.

Advise on employment law matters, including workplace relations, performance management, and compliance with the Fair Work Act.

Manage commercial property transactions, including due diligence, risk assessment, and advising on contractual obligations.

Develop training materials and templates to educate staff on legal and compliance matters.

Collaborate with the executive team to align legal strategies with business objectives.

Stay updated on legal developments and provide practical guidance to stakeholders at all levels.

ABOUT YOU You are a highly experienced legal professional with a background in commercial law, employment law, and property law. You understand the legal landscape and can translate complex concepts into practical, business‑focused advice.

Current, unrestricted Australian Practising Certificate with 10+ years of post‑qualification experience.

At least 4 years of in‑house experience, including commercial contract negotiation and drafting, employment law, and property law.

Proven ability to draft, review, and negotiate a range of legal documents, including employment contracts, supplier agreements, and commercial leases.

Strong understanding of workplace relations law, including the Fair Work Act and enterprise bargaining processes.

Effective communicator, able to engage stakeholders at all levels and simplify legal issues for non‑legal audiences.

Highly organised, capable of managing competing priorities and working autonomously while fostering team collaboration.

Proficient in leveraging technology, including AI‑powered legal software, to improve processes and deliver efficient legal solutions.

ON OFFER

Competitive remuneration package of up to $250k p.a., including superannuation and bonus potential.

Full‑time position with a hybrid working model, 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

Supportive and collaborative executive team with a strong focus on governance and sustainable performance.

Opportunity to shape the legal function within a growing national business and influence key commercial decisions.

Access to corporate benefits, including discounts on private health insurance and novated leasing arrangements.

Modern office environment.

Genuine flexibility to support work‑life balance and family commitments.

NEXT STEPS This role is looking to fill quickly, so if this sounds like an opportunity that you would like to explore further, please apply, and we will be in touch shortly. Alternatively, if you would like to have a confidential conversation first, please feel free to contact Andrew Murdoch at Dovetail Legal Solutions at andrew.murdoch@dovetaillaw.com.au – to arrange a time for an initial chat.

DOVETAIL Founded in 2015, Dovetail is Australia's only dedicated in‑house legal recruiter. We've assisted hundreds of companies and helped thousands of lawyers grow their careers. Call us to see if we can help you. www.dovetaillaw.com.au

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