Senior Legal Counsel - Privacy

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.