Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

This permanent senior legal counsel role is based in Australia and supports KBR's Defence projects across multiple locations. Reporting to the Vice President, Legal, you will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on involvement in high‑value, high‑risk matters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of legal services for KBR's Australian operations, focusing on Defence contracts.
• Provide strategic advice on complex, business‑critical matters while balancing legal risk and commercial outcomes.
• Draft, negotiate, review and approve complex commercial, government and quasi‑government contracts.
• Partner with business leaders on major bids, tenders, joint ventures, alliances and other strategic transactions.
• Advise on Australian Government contracting frameworks, including fixed‑price and cost‑reimbursable contracts.
• Oversee disputes, claims and investigations, coordinating with external counsel as needed.
• Develop and improve legal policies, processes, templates and governance frameworks.
• Manage legal budgets and external spend in line with KBR governance.

Required profile

• Admission as an Australian legal practitioner with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive post‑qualification experience, including significant in‑house legal work.
• Deep expertise in Australian Government contracting, commercial agreements and regulatory compliance.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to provide pragmatic, business‑focused advice.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to hold and maintain an active Australian Baseline Security Clearance.

Required skills

• Legal drafting and negotiation of complex contracts.
• Knowledge of Australian Government procurement and contracting frameworks.
• Experience managing disputes, claims and investigations.

What we offer

• Great Place to Work certified culture.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• Paid parental leave and income protection.
• Corporate rewards, salary packaging and novated leasing.
• Employee stock purchase plans and health benefits.
• Career development through online learning, mentorship and clear pathways.