- Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary
- Be part of the legal leadership team driving transformation and innovation
- Hybrid work arrangements and a supportive, inclusive culture
Lead a high-performing legal team driving commercial outcomes across a dynamic financial services organisation.
At People First Bank, we’re on a journey of transformation and growth. As Australia’s leading customer-owned banking group, we’re passionate about a brighter future for our members and the communities we serve. We are now seeking an exceptional legal leader to step into the newly created role of Head of Legal – Corporate.
About the role
As the Head of Legal – Corporate, you will play a key leadership role, setting the strategic direction and overseeing the delivery of legal services by our Corporate legal team. Reporting directly to the Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary, you will work closely with the executive team and other senior leaders to provide expert legal advice and support critical business initiatives. Your leadership will ensure that the Corporate Legal function not only protects the organisation but also enables innovation, efficiency, and commercial success.
This is an influential role, offering the opportunity to shape legal strategy, uplift legal capability, and enhance the commercial impact of legal services across a highly regulated and values-driven financial institution. Other key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Corporate Legal Team, ensuring the delivery of timely, high-quality legal advice across a wide range of matters including commercial matters, corporate transactions, leasing, insurance matters, contractual disputes, and IP.
- Partnering with executive and business leaders to support transformation initiatives, regulatory change projects, and complex commercial transactions.
- Overseeing legal risk management strategies, ensuring compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and prudential obligations.
- Managing external legal providers and panel arrangements, driving value and effectiveness.
- Building and mentoring a collaborative, high-performing team while uplifting legal capability across the organisation.
- Contributing to strategic planning, legal operations, and the optimisation of the broader legal function.
About you
You will bring sharp commercial acumen, a strategic and forward-thinking approach to legal risk management, and a genuine commitment to collaboration and leadership. You operate comfortably in complex, fast-paced environments and are known for delivering pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that supports business outcomes while upholding integrity and compliance. Your approach is grounded in strong values, and you lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. In addition, you will also bring:
- 12+ years’ post-qualification experience in banking, finance or financial services, gained within top-tier law firms and/or senior in-house legal roles.
- Proven leadership in managing high-performing legal teams within complex, highly regulated environments.
- Deep expertise in corporate and commercial law, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear business language.
- A collaborative, engaging, and resilient leadership style, aligned to our values and purpose.
Why you’ll love working with us
People First Bank – our new brand – says exactly what we’re all about: people. We're committed to supporting and growing our team and creating an outstanding work environment.
You’ll have access to financial and lifestyle benefits to support your success and individuality:
- Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.
- Enhance your salary with discounts on banking, health insurance, and shopping across Australia.
- Competitive leave benefits that empower employees to take time for themselves and loved ones.
- Wellbeing support with our Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing leave, mental health app, and mental health ambassadors’ program.
- Make a difference with paid volunteering, Workplace Giving, and diverse community initiatives.
- Be recognised for your contributions through our peer-driven recognition program.
A bit about People First Bank
In March 2023, People’s Choice and Heritage Bank merged to form Heritage and People’s Choice Limited - Australia's leading mutual bank. We are now on an exciting journey to bring together our products, services, and technology under a single brand - People First Bank.
We have over 700,000 members and 1,900 employees, with dual head offices in Adelaide and Toowoomba, an Australian-based contract centre and branches across five states.
With a vision ‘To deliver positive change through banking’, People First Bank serves members and contributes to the community, while offering an inclusive, flexible work environment. We’re big enough to make an impact; but agile enough to influence and do interesting work.
Apply online now
If this sounds like you, this could be the next step in your career. Click 'Apply' now and submit your application, including a cover letter and current resume by Thursday, 19 June 2025 .
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and support candidate requests for adjustments to enable everyone to equitably participate in our selection process.
