Title: Principal Lawyer
About VHBA
The Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) is responsible for the rollout of the Victorian Government's multi-billion-dollar health capital projects. We're delivering world-class health facilities across Victoria including new public hospitals and emergency care, community health services, ambulance branches, residential aged care and mental health facilities. VHBA also provides technical support across engineering, property, asset management and environmental sustainability disciplines.
The Opportunity
This newly created Principal Lawyer role offers a unique chance to provide expert legal support across VHBA’s major construction and infrastructure projects with direct impact on the health services used by Victorian communities every day.
Working within VHBA’s infrastructure legal team, you will advise on all phases of complex project lifecycles, from initial procurement and contract negotiation through to delivery, performance, claims and disputes. You’ll partner closely with senior leaders, project directors, commercial specialists, and external advisors to deliver innovative, pragmatic and compliant legal solutions that enable successful project outcomes.
This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned legal professional who excels in high-pressure, stakeholder-driven environments and wants to apply their expertise to projects of real scale, complexity and public value.
Key aspects of the role include:
- Providing timely, outcomes-focused legal advice across procurement, delivery, construction contracting and commercial matters for large-scale and complex infrastructure projects.
- Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating high-value contracts and supporting documentation, including briefings for senior decision-makers across government.
- Managing external legal and probity advisors to ensure seamless and cost-effective support.
- Identifying, assessing, and managing legal and commercial risks throughout project lifecycles.
- Supporting procurement teams with authoritative advice on tender processes, contract development and contract administration.
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships across VHBA, VIDA, government partners and industry stakeholders.
We are looking for:
- A highly experienced construction and projects lawyer with a strong track record advising on complex procurement, contracting and infrastructure delivery matters (PPP experience highly regarded).
- A strategic thinker with excellent judgement, negotiation capability and the ability to balance commercial imperatives with compliance and risk mitigation.
- A strong communicator, skilled at preparing clear legal advice, documentation and executive-level briefings, and able to build credibility quickly at all levels.
- Someone who thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and keeping work moving in uncertain and evolving conditions.
- A values-led professional committed to delivering outcomes with integrity and supporting community impact through major public infrastructure.
To learn more about the opportunity and view the full requirements please download a copy of the Position Description HERE.
Interested in working with VHBA?
Please click the “Apply” button to submit a copy of your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
We don’t want you to miss out! Please only apply for this position via the “Apply” button as emailed applications will not be considered.
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 30th of November 2025.
If you require any adjustment to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please contact TalentPeopleandCapability.vhba@vida.vic.gov.au
Further information:
VHBA 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.
All prospective employees undergo a National Criminal Records Check. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks, qualification checks and role related clearances.
