Senior Technology & Commercial Lawyer

Western Sydney University is a modern, world-class institution located in the heart of Australia's fastest growing and most economically significant region. With nearly 50,000 students, approximately 3,500 staff, and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam, and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally.

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

The Opportunity
Sitting within the Office of General Counsel, you will be the go‑to advisor for complex technology and commercial matters across the University. You will lead the negotiation and drafting of high‑value ICT and commercial arrangements, provide clear, solutions‑focused advice on data, privacy and cybersecurity risks, and support major initiatives that underpin teaching, research, and community engagement. You will improve templates and playbooks, streamline processes in partnership with Procurement and Digital teams, and brief or manage external advisers when required.

As a senior member of the legal team, you will build trusted relationships with executives and project leads, balance commercial outcomes with legal and governance obligations, and coach colleagues and clients to lift contract and risk literacy. You will contribute to a collaborative, service‑oriented culture that helps the University move quickly while staying compliant.

This is a full‑time, five‑year fixed‑term appointment based at our Parramatta South campus, with travel to other campuses, as needed. Please refer to the Position Description for further information.

About You
You are an experienced technology and commercial lawyer with a strong record of turning complex issues into practical, timely advice for senior stakeholders. You are highly capable in negotiating and drafting ICT agreements (including cloud and software arrangements), services and procurement contracts, and a broad range of commercial deals. You understand privacy and data protection in an enterprise context, bring excellent judgement under pressure, and communicate with clarity and influence. You build constructive partnerships, enjoy mentoring others, and thrive in a high‑impact, purpose‑led environment.

You will bring:

• Admission to practise in Australia and an unrestricted practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain one in NSW.
• Substantial post‑admission experience in technology and commercial law gained in a leading firm, in‑house or public sector environment, preferably in excess of 10 years.
• Deep expertise negotiating and drafting ICT agreements, including SaaS, cloud, software licensing, data hosting, cybersecurity, outsourcing and professional services.
• Strong command of privacy and data protection, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Privacy and Personal Information Act 1998 (NSW), and Australian Privacy Principles, and the ability to operationalise privacy by design.
• Proven ability to balance legal, governance and procurement requirements with timely, outcomes‑focused advice.
• Track record improving templates, playbooks and contracting processes that lift quality and speed without compromising risk controls.
• Confident supplier engagement and dispute resolution skills, with sound judgment under pressure and an eye for practical settlement pathways.
• Experience briefing and managing external counsel, with a disciplined approach to scope, cost, and value.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to distil complex issues for senior decision‑makers and non‑legal audiences.
• Collegial leadership style, with a commitment to mentoring, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with higher education or public sector contexts, including research, IP commercialisation, data sharing, and sector‑specific compliance settings.
• Awareness of emerging issues in AI, information security and data ethics, and their contractual implications.
• Comfort with contract lifecycle and e‑signature tools, and a readiness to champion better ways of working.

Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you’ll be part of an institution that is both deeply connected to its community and globally recognised for its excellence and impact.

We offer:

• Shape high‑impact technology and commercial deals that enable the University’s digital future and community mission.
• Partner closely with senior decision‑makers in a collaborative legal team that values pragmatism and pace.
• Thrive in a flexible, supportive environment with meaningful development, mentoring and the scope to leave a visible legacy.

Position Enquiries:
Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Teneille Rousianos, Executive Portfolio Officer via [email protected].

Recruitment Enquiries:
Enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected].

Closing Date:
11:59pm on Sunday 25th January 2026

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility 
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.

Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.