Title:  Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Projects x2

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State.

The Operations and Commercial Branch of DTP Legal provides advice and support to divisions of the Department and portfolio agencies, in relation to commercial disputes, commercial negotiations, contract management, transport operations, public private partnerships, transport franchises, commercial projects and the integration of the Big Build assets back into our transport network.   The Branch comprises a large team of lawyers with expertise in commercial and contract law, commercial negotiation, dispute management, and laws associated with multi modal transport operations, rolling stock, large scale procurement, precinct development and property transactions. 

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Roles

1x Fixed Term Opportunity until 31 December 2026

1x Fixed Term Opportunity until 31 December 2027

We’re seeking two experienced Principal Lawyers, Commercial and Projects, for fixed-term opportunities within our high-performing legal team.

Reporting to the Director Legal - Commercial and Projects, you will provide authoritative advice on a diverse range of complex legal matters supporting the delivery of major commercial initiatives and other contracts. Your work will span high-profile projects and other contracts including commercial transactions, construction, infrastructure and service delivery, technology development, procurement, and precinct development. In this pivotal role, you’ll partner closely with project teams to navigate legal risks, shape strategic outcomes, and ensure our projects are delivered with clarity, compliance, and commercial acumen.

You will also be expected to have excellent drafting skills, be able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and to provide timely, clear and pragmatic legal advice.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

•  Successfully identify, and advise on how to manage, all significant legal risks in the projects that you work on

•  Effectively and efficiently manage any external advisors that you engage to ensure advice and services provided are of a high standard, reflect current best practice, mitigate risk, optimise business outcomes, are consistent and reflect value for money

•  Proactively establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and clients to support delivery of DTP’s objectives

•  Present annually to your branch or the whole of DTP Legal on one or more of the matters on which you have advised

•  Contribute to a positive team culture by always acting with respect and courtesy to your colleagues and clients

•  Ensure that legal knowledge and other documents prepared in the course of your role are safely stored in easily accessible and searchable format

•  Assist as required in the delivery of other legal advice, and perform other duties and tasks as directed.  

PD link here. Principal Lawyer Commercial and Projects70000667 Dec 27

PD VPS6 Commercial and Projects-70071233 Dec26.pdf

Key Selection Criteria

As Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Projects, you need to be capable of leading and delivering high-quality legal advice on complex, urgent and sensitive matters. You will be comfortable work independently with internal clients to scope and deliver legal guidance that integrates legal, policy and operational considerations, while managing risks and emerging issues.

You will draft, review and negotiate complex commercial documents, applying advanced legal knowledge and adapting or creating bespoke content to align with policy, meet project needs and minimise legal and commercial risk. Your expertise in statutory interpretation will be essential in resolving complex legal issues, using extrinsic materials and legislative frameworks to deliver robust, accurate legal solutions.

The roles require strong critical thinking to analyse issues within broader organisational and commercial contexts, proactively addressing recurring problems and embedding practical solutions that drive business outcomes. You will communicate with clarity and influence, presenting legal advice and information in a way that is logical, concise, and tailored to diverse audiences.

As a senior legal professional, you will also provide professional oversight and support to colleagues and external legal providers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services. A sound understanding of the political and organisational landscape will influence your legal strategies, enabling you to respond effectively to evolving pressures and priorities.

These roles can offer unique opportunities to shape impactful legal outcomes across high-value projects within a dynamic public sector environment.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practice law in the state of Victoria. 

Desirable  

• Demonstrated experience leading complex transactions, including advising on solutions for complex issues relating to projects, commercial contracts, large scale procurement and services arrangements or transport contracts. 
• Demonstrated in-house legal experience  
• Demonstrated experience working for or advising government, including awareness of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

Important Information on How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

If have any issues, click here for Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 8 September 2025. 

All Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.

We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

For further information about the role please contact Sheree Siow – Director Legal – Commercial & Projects via sheree.siow@transport.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.