We are seeking a senior professional to manage the legal and compliance functions across WTW Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island businesses. This role involves supporting complex legal and compliance projects, advising leadership on various issues, overseeing the Pacific compliance program, and collaborating with other practice areas and functions to ensure seamless support. The successful candidate will lead a small team of legal and compliance personnel.

The Role

Manage the provision of general legal, transactional, and regulatory advice to the Pacific business leadership teams. Oversee and manage the overall compliance program for the Pacific sub-region.  Serve as trusted adviser and resource on legal and compliance matters for the above-mentioned business teams. Meet all the Pacific sub-region commitments within the Annual Compliance Plan and identify areas of opportunity and improvement going forward.  Develop any revisions to the compliance program due to regulatory change management or the introduction of new products. Drive functional projects and improvement initiatives aligned to OGC and WTW business objectives.  Lead, motivate, and manage a professional team, including the monitoring of colleague wellbeing and progress against inclusion and diversity objectives. Undertake and oversee effective engagement with the company’s business clients, government regulators, vendors, outside lawyers, trade bodies and other parties. Manage legal and compliance issues effectively and efficiently in line with WTW objectives and values and within company and entity risk appetites. Manage external legal and other expenditures according to the OGC budget and Outside Counsel Guidelines. Work with the broader global OGC teams as a high-functioning and collaborative group. Ensure effective use of management information and timely reporting of key issues and recommendations to the Compliance Director or General Counsel, including matters for external and internal board, committee, and regulator reports.

 

The Requirements

Proven experience as a senior lawyer with over 15 years in private practice and/or in-house roles. Must be licensed and in good standing as an active member of the bar in at least one relevant jurisdiction.Knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance in Australia and New Zealand is required, with deep knowledge and understanding strongly preferred. Direct experience providing regulatory compliance support, or managing others who have provided such support, is also strongly preferred.Solid track record of handling complex and sophisticated legal matters in an efficient and commercial-friendly manner.Deep knowledge and experience in financial services laws and regulations are required.  Some experience with the insurance sector is required, with deep experience preferred. Experience in advising professional services businesses is preferred.Experience giving legal advice throughout the Pacific region is preferred.Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels to provide strategic legal advice and promote an effective and business focused compliance culture.   Experience working in a global business is preferred. The ability to work independently, with limited daily support from managers in different time zones, is required. Ability to handle confidential information and opinions with discretion. Ability to remain calm under pressure. Ability to see the big picture in terms of the Company’s legal and ethical obligations for the protection of its reputation. Commercial awareness – a commercial and pragmatic approach to managing legal and compliance risks. Effective team management skills preferred. Respected for expertise and work ethic, inspiring others as a role model. Experience in managing legal and compliance matters effectively and in a manner that upholds the Company’s reputation for integrity.Ability to support legal and compliance aspects of M&A (including due diligence), and to identify potential issues. Ability to evaluate and advise on the impact of regulatory changes and to support the Company’s businesses and functions in addressing those changes.Innovative thinker, effective delegator but established hands-on lawyer, with a record of diligent and active involvement in projects.

 

Why Join WTW?

WTW provides a competitive benefits package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

Annual bonusCompany paid salary continuance insuranceLife and TPD insurance Hybrid workingNetworks (Gender, Wellbeing, Pride)Career Growth – internal opportunities and development programs

At WTW, we trust you to know your work and the people, tools and environment you need to be successful. The majority of our colleagues work in a “hybrid” style, with a mix of in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and “hybrid” is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and so we encourage requests for all types of flexible working. Please speak to your recruiter to discuss more.

 

At WTW, we believe that a culture of inclusion and diversity is critical to our business. It's not a separate initiative – rather it’s fundamental to everything we do. We are an equal-opportunity employer who is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and embrace diversity including gender, nationality, disability, age, marital/parental status, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. 

In the spirit of reconciliation Willis Towers Watson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@willistowerswatson.com