Senior Legal Counsel - Data Privacy - Internal Firm Services
PwC Open At a glance
Senior Data Architecture & Governance role at PwC. Auckland · full-time.
Pay not stated Data Architecture & Governance salary
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Serve as PwC New Zealand’s Privacy Officer and advise senior leaders on privacy, data protection, AI and technology matters
- Lead negotiations on privacy terms in client and supplier contracts, including master service agreements
- Handle legal advice on personal-information incidents, AI governance, technology assessments and emerging technology contracts
- Track privacy, AI and data-protection law changes, escalating legal or regulatory concerns when needed
- Develop legal templates, playbooks and training while mentoring junior colleagues
What you bring
- At least five years of legal counsel work, including proven depth in data privacy
- A current New Zealand practising certificate
- Experience negotiating complex technology, data, client or supplier agreements
- Strong drafting, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance legal risk and business needs
Who this fits
This senior in-house counsel role suits someone moving from professional services or private practice into an advisory position, with scope to guide junior staff. Travel may reach twenty percent, and work visa sponsorship is unavailable. An independence review is part of the hiring process.
From the employer
Management Level
ManagerJob 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. This is an opportunity to bring your professional services or private practice experience into an in-house environment at the centre of a leading professional services firm. As a trusted legal adviser and PwC New Zealand’s Privacy Officer, you will provide commercially focused advice across privacy, data protection, AI, technology and information security matters.
You will work closely with senior leaders and teams across the firm, leading complex negotiations, supporting data incident and regulatory responses, and helping strengthen privacy governance, policies, playbooks and training.
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, with demonstrated expertise in data privacy
- A current New Zealand practising certificate
- A commercially pragmatic approach, balancing legal risk, business outcomes and stakeholder relationships
- Experience reviewing and negotiating complex technology, data, client or supplier agreements
- Strong communication, drafting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- In-house experience and experience negotiating AI clauses in AI-enabled contracts would be advantageous
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
Up to 20%Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?
NoJob Posting End Date
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