Title:  Managing Principal Lawyer

Requisition ID:  8686
Work Type:  Ongoing Full Time
Fixed Term Period:  12 Months
Location:  Melbourne - CBD
Date Posted:  31 Oct 2025

Join us and be part of Victoria’s Big Build, working within the award-winning VIDA Rail. We’ve already removed some of Victoria’s most dangerous level crossings and delivered improvement projects across the rail network, and we’re not stopping any time soon. There has never been a better time to get amongst the action!

 

About the role

The Managing Principal Lawyer will be responsible for managing and coordinating certain legal aspects of the procurement activities associated with VIDA Rail. The role will also interface with VIDA Rail’s external legal advisers and commercial advisers to ensure a consistent and agreed approach is taken on legal positions which support the all the projects being delivered by VIDA Rail.

On a day-to-day basis, you will;

  • Provide support to the Director, Legal, Deputy Director, Legal and the broader Commercial & Legal team in the provision of legal, commercial and risk management advice in relation to all aspects of project development and delivery for the Project.
  • Manage and coordinate certain legal aspects of the Project’s procurement activities.
  • Provide expert legal procurement, risk management and contracting advice, interfacing with the Project’s external legal advisers to ensure a consistent and agreed approach on legal positions which support the Project’s expectations.
  • Provide detailed advice to the Project teams and Director, Legal on project implementation issues, including matters relating to legislation, contracting, land, planning and matters of construction law.

 

The team is best described as collegiate, problem solving and fun. The team culture is fantastic, you’ll enjoy working alongside colleagues that are passionate about what they do.  

At VIDA Rail we embrace and encourage flexibility, we work in a hybrid capacity, so you will work a mix of office and home. Our team typically works Tuesdays and Thursdays from the office.

This role is a twelve (12) month fixed term opportunity due to parental leave, paying a salary between $188,297 - $256,088 plus superannuation.

 

About you

You don’t shy away from a challenge, have impeccable time management skills and you’re agile and adaptable to an ever-changing landscape of works. You’ll need to be resilient and flexible in your approach whilst providing sounds legal advice to senior stakeholders in the organisation.

Let's get technical! What will we expect from you?

 

  • Strong experience in providing legal and commercial advice on large construction projects, with a track record of working effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong experience in legal issues arising from different procurement models such as design and construct, alliancing and PPPs.
  • Strong experience in major infrastructure project procurement and delivery, preferably gained in private practice or in-house roles.
  • Demonstrated practical knowledge and understanding of the Victorian transport sector, Government’s policy objectives and transport strategies, Government procurement and probity requirements.
  • Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Victoria or a similar jurisdiction within Australia.
  • Currently hold, or eligible to hold, a valid Practising Certificate.

 

At VIDA Rail we embrace diversity and inclusion. We actively strive to remove barriers and encourage applications from people of any age, or disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse or LGBTIQA+. We will make adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure that you are able to participate to the best of your ability.

 

About VIDA Rail

At VIDA Rail we’re not only removing level crossings, but also removing barriers and creating a long lasting legacy for our communities.

Inclusion is a priority for us, and we are committed to creating an employee community that reflects those in which we work. We value diverse representation at all levels of the organisation.

As leaders in the transport sector, we provide secure pathways into the industry for:

  • Women
  • People who identify as LGBTQIA+
  • People living with a disability
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
  • Refugees or asylum seekers
  • People facing barriers to employment.

We offer and encourage flexible work and purchased leave arrangements for all employees to support wellbeing, family or carer commitments and other personal circumstances.

We also place great importance on professional development and growth through both formal training opportunities and lessons learnt.

Health, safety, and wellbeing are at the heart of what we do. We aim to create a safe and healthy workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere.

 

What next?

 

To apply – just submit your CV. No need to submit a separate address of the key selection criteria, and no need for a cover letter.

Upon applying you will be asked to answer the following (assessed) questions: 

  1. ‘Relationships’ is one of our core values, and crucial in this position. What does relationships mean to you, and how do you maintain positive relationships with your colleagues and stakeholders? (Max 200 words).
  2. Effective communication is a key requirement in this role. How do you ensure your message is communicated effectively and how do you tailor your approach to various audiences? (Max 200 words).

After assessing your CV and answers to the above questions, the next steps will be a phone screen, followed by an interview that may include a short activity where you can showcase your skills and potential.  

 

Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which include national police checks and misconduct screening.

 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa

to be eligible to apply.

 

Need more information?

 

Click here to view the position description.

For specifics about the recruitment process entailed, or a confidential discussion around any special accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process you may need in order to participate to the best of your ability, contact Amy Ray (Talent Acquisition Adviser) on amy.ray@vida.vic.gov.au or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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