Join the award-winning team leading the future of procurement

Local Buy isn’t just Queensland’s peak procurement organisation — we’re recognised nationally for excellence. In 2023, we were proud to be named the CIPS Overall Winner, alongside awards for Best Procurement Transformation Programme and Public Procurement Project of the Year, and runners up for Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supply Base. These accolades reflect our strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, governance and social impact.

Local Buy is part of Peak Services, a profit for purpose organisation wholly owned by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ). All profits are reinvested back into the local government sector, helping councils deliver better outcomes for their communities.

About the Role

We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join the Local Buy Division.

Reporting directly to the General Counsel & Compliance Manager, this role plays a critical part in strengthening governance, managing risk and ensuring legal clarity across Local Buy’s commercial arrangements. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, including councils, suppliers and advisers, in a fast paced and highly collaborative environment.

This role is ideally suited to an in‑house lawyer who enjoys balancing technical legal work with practical, commercially grounded advice.

Key Responsibilities

Legal & Compliance

• Support the end-to-end delivery of legal and compliance processes across Local Buy, under the direction of the General Counsel.

• Review and manage supplier contract departures, including drafting and updating contract mark‑ups and associated documentation.

• Provide commercially focused legal advice to internal stakeholders.

• Review and advise on tender and procurement documentation.

• Identify legal and commercial risks and escalate matters appropriately.

• Assist with dispute resolution between councils and suppliers.

• Support internal and external compliance audits and ad‑hoc supplier compliance assessments.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes and compliance frameworks.

• Assist with legal projects and other matters as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams, including Procurement, Category Management, Administration, Marketing, Technology and Executive Leadership.

• Liaise with external counsel where required.

• Operate effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment with frequent engagement across the local government sector.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Admission to legal practice in Queensland and a current unrestricted Queensland practising certificate.

• 3–4+ years’ post-admission experience, ideally in an in-house or commercially focused environment.

• Strong contract drafting, review and negotiation skills (essential).

• Experience or exposure to procurement, tendering or local government environments (highly desirable).

• A practical, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to identify and clearly communicate legal and commercial risk.

• High attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Confidence working across multiple matters and priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint and CRM systems.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Additional 3% employer superannuation when you contribute 6% (up to 21% total)

• Four weeks’ annual leave, plus up to two Special Bonus Leave Days during annual close‑down

• Long Service Leave accessible after seven years

• Corporate health cover with HCF, including up to $500 rebate per hospital admission

• Novated vehicle leasing options

• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including Telus Health digital wellbeing platform and EAP for you and your family

• Flexible working arrangements – a balance of office and home

• Professional development and internal training programs

• Dress for Your Day culture

• Regular social activities, morning teas and great coffee

• A genuinely engaged, values-driven workplace

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in shaping the future of procurement in Queensland.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Josh Brown on (07) 3155 4***.
To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and post‑admission background.