Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

Job Description

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

Hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!

Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.

About Us

At Canva, our mission is to democratise design and empower creativity for anyone and everyone, on every platform. Inspired by a team of talented thinkers, an amazing culture and a remarkable growth trajectory – we’re out to change the world, one design at a time. 

Since launch in August 2013, we have grown exponentially, amassing over 85 million monthly active users across 190 different countries who have created more than 8 Billion designs. We are one of the world’s fastest-growing technology companies and we have only achieved about 1% of what we want to do.

Where and how you can work

Our flagship Sydney campus is uniquely Canva - an extension of our Surry Hills neighbourhood. It’s a thoughtfully designed space with plenty of room to collaborate, focus, and connect.

This role is based in Sydney, and we’re looking for someone who calls it home. Our hybrid way of working gives you the flexibility to work remotely, and to come together on campus for meaningful in-person collaboration and connection when it matters most. We trust our Canvanauts to choose the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals.

About the role

Canva is looking for an experienced employment lawyer to join our Global Employment Legal Team as Senior Employment Counsel, APAC. 

This role will primarily support employment law matters across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines and the broader APAC region, working closely with People, business leaders and legal colleagues across Canva’s global footprint.

While you’ll lead matters across Australia and APAC, you’ll also be supported by a well-established team of Employment Legal specialists across the region and globally, providing opportunities for collaboration, development and shared problem-solving on complex matters.

You’ll be comfortable navigating ambiguity, exercising sound judgment and delivering practical advice in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

What you’ll do:

• Provide strategic, commercially pragmatic advice on employment law matters in APAC.
• Advise on day-to-day employment matters across Canva’s employee and contingent workforce, including performance management, exits, investigations, and regulatory issues.
• Partner closely with People, Total Rewards, Finance and other key stakeholders to support Canva’s growth and evolving workforce model.
• Support the development and implementation of scalable employment frameworks, policies, processes and guidance.
• Identify and manage employment-related legal risks while enabling Canva’s growth and operational objectives.
• Deliver practical training and guidance to People teams and business leaders.
• Collaborate with Employment Legal colleagues globally on cross-border matters, strategic projects and shared priorities.
• Manage employment disputes, claims and regulatory inquiries, partnering with external counsel where required.

What we’re looking for:

• Admitted to practice in Australia or equivalent jurisdiction.
• 8+ years’ post-qualification experience specialising in employment law, gained in a leading law firm and/or in-house legal team (ideally tech).
• Experience working across multiple jurisdictions or in a multinational environment is highly regarded.
• Strong experience advising senior stakeholders on complex employment and employee relations matters.
• Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with commercial and people considerations.
• Excellent judgment and comfort operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with an ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice.

What's in it for you?

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.

Here's a taste of what's on offer:

• Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

Other stuff to know

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above - we still want to hear from you!

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.