Senior Legal Counsel - Privacy

Management Level

Manager

Job Description & Summary

Kia ora,

At PwC, our purpose is clear: to build trust in society and solve important problems.

This is a place to keep growing. You’ll learn from the best, take on meaningful challenges, and make a lasting impact for our clients, our communities, and Aotearoa.

Ngā kōrero mo tēnei tūranga / About the role 

Join PwC’s Office of General Counsel as Senior Legal Counsel – Data Privacy. You will be a trusted privacy legal adviser providing commercially focused legal advice and strategic support across privacy, data protection, AI governance, and information security matters. Acting as a key privacy expert and stepping into the role of Privacy Officer, you will support complex data privacy negotiations, regulatory compliance, data incident management and technology risk assessments. 

You will play a key role in managing legal and regulatory risk, strengthening privacy governance frameworks, supporting data use policy initiatives, and delivering guidance and training across the firm.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• Act as PwC New Zealand’s Privacy Officer  

• Lead and support complex data privacy negotiations in client and supplier contracts 

• Advise on data incidents involving personal information, AI governance, technology risk assessments, and contractual risks relating to new technologies 

• Review and negotiate client master service agreements, supplier contracts and other commercial arrangements 

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across privacy, AI, and data protection 

• Identify and escalate legal and regulatory risks where appropriate 

• Mentor junior staff and contribute to legal templates, playbooks, and training 

Ngā pūkenga ka kawea mai e koe, ka whakawhanakehia rānei i tēnei tūranga  / Skills you will bring or develop in this role 

• 5–10+ years’ legal counsel experience, preferably gained in-house or in a large law firm 

• Current New Zealand practising certificate 

• Demonstrated experience in data privacy and data protection 

• Strong understanding of NZ privacy legislation and exposure to international privacy frameworks 

• Ability to review and negotiate complex technology, data, client and supplier agreements 

• Commercially pragmatic with the ability to balance legal risk, commercial outcomes, and stakeholder relationships 

• Experience advising on privacy incidents, regulatory engagement, and compliance responses 

• Strong stakeholder management, communication, drafting, and problem-solving capability 

• Experience developing governance frameworks, legal playbooks, policies, and training materials 

• Ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced environment 

Ngā āhuatanga hirahira o te mahi ki PwC / Highlights of working at PwC NZ 

• Rewards - Discretionary bonus opportunities; generous referral bonuses; retail discounts & deals 

• Growth - Global network; leadership development; A.I. tools and training; formal learning pathways 

• Wellbeing - $250 annual wellbeing allowance; Life & income protection; Sonder/EAP/Headspace; 15 days’ paid sick leave; group-rate health insurance (eligibility applies) 

• Reputation - PwC is known for shaping tomorrow. Join us and you’ll accelerate your career while helping clients and communities solve their most important problems. 

• Flexibility - Flexible working; supportive coaching culture 

• Time off - Two paid recognition days off provided each year during our annual summer shutdown period; purchase up to two extra weeks’ annual leave 

• Whānau & community - Paid parental leave for all parents with flexible options and financial planning support; inclusive networks; paid volunteering leave 

Mō te aha tāu e tatari ana? / What are you waiting for? 

Hit Apply now. To learn how you can grow your career at PwC, visit our careers site at https://www.pwc.co.nz/careers.html.  

Grow here. Go further. 

Ngā whakautu ki o pātai / Your questions answered 

Motuhake / Independence: Maintaining independence is fundamental to demonstrating that PwC has not been influenced by any relationships or situations that undermine our objectivity. This role requires an independence review process. 

Nau mai ngā tono wawe / We encourage early applications: This role may close before the listed date if we identify a suitable candidate. 

Atamai hangahanga / A.I. usage: Please note that secure, A.I.-enabled tools may support parts of our recruitment process, but all applications are reviewed and decisions made by our people. 

Travel Requirements

Not Specified

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?

No

Job Posting End Date