Title: Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Legal
About VIDA
The Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) is a specialist project delivery organisation, responsible for delivering Victoria’s major transport, health and community safety infrastructure program.
This multi-disciplinary program includes more than 200 projects including North East Link, removing level crossings, Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1, new and upgraded hospitals, and specialist programs such as the early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program, and community safety projects for corrections and emergency services.
The unprecedented program of works brings together expert skillsets to deliver crucial health, community safety, and major transport projects, and ensures that operations are streamlined and efficient while delivering better outcomes for Victorians.
Led by the Director-General, VIDA comprises five project offices, VIDA Roads, VIDA Metro, VIDA Rail, VIDA Health and VIDA Community Safety.
VIDA is established as an Administration Office under the Public Administration Act 2004 as a specialist organisation.
About this Opportunity
An opportunity exists for an experienced Principal Lawyer to join the Office of the Director-General and provide authoritative, practical legal advice across VIDA’s significant infrastructure program.
Reporting to the Managing Principal Lawyer, the role will advise on complex commercial, construction, procurement, governance, administrative and public law matters. It will also lead the management of Freedom of Information requests, including engagement with senior executives, ministerial staff, the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Working across multidisciplinary project teams and government stakeholders, the Principal Lawyer will manage sensitive matters, prepare high-quality executive briefings and contribute to strategic, organisation-wide legal initiatives. The role will also provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members and support consistent, contemporary legal practices across VIDA.
About You
A highly experienced legal professional, comfortable operating in a complex and fast-paced environment where sound judgement, discretion and practical advice are essential. Brings a commercially minded approach to legal issues, with the confidence to navigate ambiguity, balance competing considerations and support informed decision-making at senior levels.
Demonstrates a collaborative leadership style and an ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups. Takes ownership of outcomes, communicates with clarity and remains composed when managing sensitive, high-profile or time-critical matters.
You’ll bring:
- A pragmatic and solutions-focused mindset, with an appreciation of the broader operational and public sector context.
- Sound professional judgement and the confidence to provide clear guidance on complex or sensitive matters.
- A calm, organised approach to balancing competing priorities and responding to emerging issues.
- A collaborative working style that supports open communication, shared accountability and constructive outcomes.
- The ability to build credibility quickly and work effectively with senior leaders, project teams and external stakeholders.
- A commitment to developing others, sharing expertise and contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.
Key Selection Criteria
- Technical Expertise: Proven experience providing clear, authoritative and effective advice to senior management on complex commercial and legal issues, particularly those arising in major infrastructure projects.
- Specialist Expertise: A strong understanding of commercial and legal strategies, policies and procedures, with a focus on construction procurement and delivery on complex and high-value projects, as well as the regulatory environment applicable to VIDA as an Administrative Office of the Department of Transport and Planning.
- Collaboration and Influence: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to develop constructive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and to effectively influence senior stakeholders to make informed decisions.
- Communication with Impact: Exceptional written communication skills to draft clear and concise advice, project documentation, briefings and reports on key issues at an authoritative level.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Strong analytical and conceptual skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex issues, including through consultation and negotiation.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: A proven ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to changing demands, and deliver outcomes in a timely manner, while confidently addressing complex and ambiguous situations.
- Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team environment and in multi-disciplinary groups.
- Autonomy: Ability to work independently with limited oversight, making confident and accurate decisions that align with VIDA’s objectives.
Qualifications and Mandatory Requirements
- Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Victoria or a similar jurisdiction within Australia.
- Hold, or be eligible to hold, a valid practising certificate.
What We Offer
- An emphasis on work-life balance
- High-performing team environment
- Equal opportunity employer
- Personal and professional development opportunities
- Committed to safety and wellbeing
- Training and development opportunities
Pre-Employment Checks
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which include national police/qualification (where applicable) checks and misconduct screening.
Diversity and Inclusion
VIDA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a values-led, diverse and inclusive workplace.
We believe our teams should represent the diversity of our communities in which we work, and we actively embrace and celebrate people from all walks of life.
If you require reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please contact us. We're here to support you.
How to Apply
Please include a Resume and Cover Letter. The cover letter should address the Key Selection Criteria and be a maximum 2 pages long. We want to know why you want to work for VIDA Services, why you are interested in the role, and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role.
Please click here to view the position description.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Gabriel Balderrama, Managing Principal Lawyer at gabriel.balderrama@vida.vic.gov.au.
Applications close 11:59 pm – 15 October 2026
