Legal Counsel – Procurement & Supply Chain

About the role

Lactalis is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its Scoresby or Richmond office, reporting to the General Counsel. The role provides strategic and operational legal support to Procurement and Supply Chain functions, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements while managing legal and regulatory risks.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate procurement, supplier and commercial agreements in line with Lactalis policies and commercial objectives.
• Partner with Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations and Finance teams throughout the sourcing and contracting lifecycle.
• Provide practical legal advice on tenders, supplier selection, contract management and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Identify, assess and mitigate legal, commercial and operational risks associated with supplier arrangements.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks and guidance materials.
• Advise on regulatory and compliance requirements, including competition law, modern slavery, privacy, anti‑bribery, sanctions and sustainability obligations.
• Support implementation of compliance programmes, procurement policies and governance frameworks.
• Manage supplier disputes, contract interpretation, performance issues, claims, breaches, variations and terminations.
• Support litigation and engagement of external counsel when required.
• Build trusted relationships with procurement leaders and deliver training to procurement teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Laws and admission as a solicitor of an Australian Supreme Court.
• Current practising certificate.
• At least 4 years post‑admission experience in a top‑tier or recognised mid‑tier Australian law firm or in‑house legal role.
• Experience in commercial and corporate law, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Strong commercial thinking, stakeholder engagement and ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly.

Required skills

• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Sound knowledge of corporate law, contract management, dispute resolution, intellectual property, marketing, risk and compliance.

What we offer

• Opportunity to make an immediate impact in a global company.
• Pathways for career advancement and a competitive salary package.
• Team‑oriented, fast‑paced work environment.