Description:
- Senior legal advisor providing strategic counsel to NBL Group Executive team
- Oversees governance, compliance and contract negotiations
- Queens Road, Melbourne Office location
About Us:
The National Basketball League (NBL) is a world-renowned basketball organisation, home to some of the globe's best players. As a leader in sports entertainment, we operate an innovative media platform and are dedicated to achieving new heights of success and growth. Our vision is to be the most entertaining sports experience for fans, through bold innovation and partnerships, and to become the fastest growing league globally.
Our Values
- Always Think Big: Be courageous, be open to new ideas, learn and grow - no limits.
- Be Accountable: Own it! Ask for help. The scoreboard matters.
- Integrity is Key: Act ethically, act honestly, keep our word.
- Show Respect: Show care, listen and seek to understand, value opinions.
- We are Fans Too: Have fun, always consider the fan, share the love of the game.
- One Team: Communicate, trust each other, celebrate the wins, build relationships.
What You'll Do
The objective of the General Manager - Legal is to serve as a senior legal advisor, managing a comprehensive legal portfolio while supporting compliance and integrity governance functions across the NBL Group.
In this role, you will:
Strategic Legal Advice
- Provide expert legal counsel to the NBL Group Executive team, supporting strategic decision-making aligned with business objectives
- Refine and implement the NBL Group's legal strategy to support commercial goals while mitigating risks
- Work alongside the NBL’s Senior Legal Counsel to proactively identify and manage emerging legal, regulatory and industry trends
Governance and Compliance
- Ensure organisational compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and corporate governance requirements standards
- Support the Compliance Manager with NBL Rules and Regulations and sporting licence requirements
- Advise on governance matters, assisting the Chief Corporate & Governance Officer and the NBL Board
- Strengthen the organisation's compliance framework to meet all statutory and contractual obligations
Contract Management and Commercial Advisory
- Oversee the drafting, negotiation, and management of key contracts including commercial agreements, sponsorships, broadcast agreements and licensing arrangements
- Provide guidance on commercial matters including mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures
- Lead dispute resolution processes, ensuring cost-effective and timely outcomes
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Participate in Leadership Team forums, fostering a high-performance culture of focused on collaboration
- Develop capabilities of the legal function to support organisational growth
- Act as key liaison with industry bodies including Basketball Australia, Australian Basketball Players' Association, NBL Clubs and Government
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel, ensuring high-quality support
What You Bring
Essential Experience and Skills:
- Tertiary qualification in Law and admission to legal practice in Australia
- Minimum 10 years' experience in a senior legal role, preferably within a corporate, commercial, or sports environment
- Deep knowledge of corporate and commercial law, governance, and compliance
- Practical experience with M&A work, joint ventures and business sale agreements
- Proven ability to provide commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire high-performing teams
- Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities
- Ability to work quickly under pressure in a fast-paced commercial environment
Nice-to-Haves:
- Familiarity with the legal and commercial landscape of sports and entertainment sectors
- Experience in contract negotiation within media or broadcast environments
- Background in managing legal teams in growth-oriented organisations
Why Join Us?
- Join a passionate team dedicated to making basketball the most exciting sports experience for fans across Australia
- Collaborate with elite athletes and shape the narrative of Australia's premier basketball league
- Develop your leadership skills in a dynamic sporting and entertainment environment
- Build valuable relationships with influential sports and legal professionals
- Be part of the NBL's ambitious growth journey as it expands its global footprint and influence
Why Wait? We're reviewing applications as they come in, so don't wait - APPLY NOW to join our Melbourne-based team!
The National Basketball League is dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion. We wholeheartedly embrace individual differences and warmly welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations peoples.