Verified Job
Legal
Legal Services Manager
Legal
#36632
Remote / WFH
Perpetual Guardian
Job Description
Perpetual Guardian is one of New Zealand's leading providers of Personal Trustee and Estate Administration services. We support thousands of Kiwis with their asset protection and preservation needs, delivering trusted advice across generations.
We are seeking an experienced Legal Services Manager to join our highly regarded Legal Services team. This role supports the Head of Legal in leading the delivery of high-quality legal services across the business, while also providing leadership to a team of Legal Counsels and Legal Executives.
This is a pivotal role combining senior legal expertise with people leadership, offering the opportunity to drive service excellence, mentor talent, and influence best practice across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
This is a unique and influential role where the successful candidate will:
Support the Head of Legal in managing and delivering legal services across the business
Provide expert legal advice on complex matters, with a focus on high-quality and pragmatic outcomes
Lead, mentor and develop a team of Junior Legal Counsels and Legal Executives
Drive service excellence and ensure delivery aligns with SLAs and best practice standards
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across the business
Work closely with the Work Flow Manager in co-ordinating workflow and WIP management and reporting across the Legal Services team
Support governance processes, including preparing reports and papers for committees
Contribute to training and development initiatives within the legal team and broader organisation
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and embed innovative ways of working
Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Minimum 7+ years’ post-qualification experience with a current practising certificate
Proven experience in people leadership, mentoring and team development
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility
Strong understanding of New Zealand trust and estate legislation (including Trusts Act, Wills Act, Administration Act and related frameworks)
Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal work while balancing leadership responsibilities
Highly effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a complex environment
Job Benefits
Opportunity to work with Wealth Management Experts in New Zealand – career growth and training opportunities. This role can be a gateway into the specialised industry of wealth protection.
Health and Life Insurance Cover*
Discounts on company products – including free will!
Discounts on products and services through commercial business partners such as gym membership discounts etc.
*eligibility criteria apply.
Next Steps
Applications must include an up to date CV as well as a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria above and why this role interests you.
About Perpetual Guardian
Perpetual Guardian Group is the largest non-Government philanthropic entity in Aotearoa and the leading provider of fiduciary services in New Zealand. Through the provision of expert trust, asset planning and investment management across generations of New Zealanders, we've become leaders in the industry and, most importantly, trusted partners with our clients.
We are specialists in providing Wills, Trusts and Enduring Powers of Attorney. We understand the sensitive nature of Wills, supporting grieving families, helping to plan estates and achieve financial goals.
We are seeking an experienced Legal Services Manager to join our highly regarded Legal Services team. This role supports the Head of Legal in leading the delivery of high-quality legal services across the business, while also providing leadership to a team of Legal Counsels and Legal Executives.
This is a pivotal role combining senior legal expertise with people leadership, offering the opportunity to drive service excellence, mentor talent, and influence best practice across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
This is a unique and influential role where the successful candidate will:
Support the Head of Legal in managing and delivering legal services across the business
Provide expert legal advice on complex matters, with a focus on high-quality and pragmatic outcomes
Lead, mentor and develop a team of Junior Legal Counsels and Legal Executives
Drive service excellence and ensure delivery aligns with SLAs and best practice standards
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across the business
Work closely with the Work Flow Manager in co-ordinating workflow and WIP management and reporting across the Legal Services team
Support governance processes, including preparing reports and papers for committees
Contribute to training and development initiatives within the legal team and broader organisation
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and embed innovative ways of working
Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Minimum 7+ years’ post-qualification experience with a current practising certificate
Proven experience in people leadership, mentoring and team development
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility
Strong understanding of New Zealand trust and estate legislation (including Trusts Act, Wills Act, Administration Act and related frameworks)
Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal work while balancing leadership responsibilities
Highly effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a complex environment
Job Benefits
Opportunity to work with Wealth Management Experts in New Zealand – career growth and training opportunities. This role can be a gateway into the specialised industry of wealth protection.
Health and Life Insurance Cover*
Discounts on company products – including free will!
Discounts on products and services through commercial business partners such as gym membership discounts etc.
*eligibility criteria apply.
Next Steps
Applications must include an up to date CV as well as a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria above and why this role interests you.
About Perpetual Guardian
Perpetual Guardian Group is the largest non-Government philanthropic entity in Aotearoa and the leading provider of fiduciary services in New Zealand. Through the provision of expert trust, asset planning and investment management across generations of New Zealanders, we've become leaders in the industry and, most importantly, trusted partners with our clients.
We are specialists in providing Wills, Trusts and Enduring Powers of Attorney. We understand the sensitive nature of Wills, supporting grieving families, helping to plan estates and achieve financial goals.
