General Counsel

This is a rare opportunity to shape the legal direction of YVW and contribute to its success at the highest level.

Position overview

Yarra Valley Water, a government-owned public entity, is seeking a highly experienced General Counsel to lead its new inhouse legal team. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will act as the principle legal advisor to YVW, our Board and Executive team, manage legal risks, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This is a senior leadership role, partnering closely with our Risk Management function and our Corporate Secretary.  It offers the opportunity to enable the achievement of our 2030 strategy in a legally compliant and commercially sound way.

About us

We’re on a mission to create a brighter future, where you can be a change maker at the actual source. We’re one of Australia’s largest water utilities with over 30% of Victoria’s population relying on us for their essential water and sanitation services.

Our award-winning culture fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment that enables our people to thrive. Here, you’ll be inspired and challenged to grow alongside us.

We're committed to reconciliation and supporting the self-determined role for Traditional Owners/Custodians in water and land management. 

Your key responsibilities

• Serve as the chief legal advisor to the CEO, executive team, and board of directors.
• Oversee all complex legal matters and provide strategic legal guidance.
• Manage legal affairs, including contracts, litigation, and a panel of external service providers.
• Manage our Freedom of Information, Privacy and Whistleblower functions.
• Oversee a small property team whose primary focus is strategic land acquisitions and disposals.

For more details on responsibilities and core capabilities click here.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and admission as a legal practitioner in Australia with at least 10+ years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably in public sector or regulatory environments.
• Extensive experience in corporate governance, public law, and regulatory compliance
• Significant experience in a prior senior legal inhouse role mandatory, with preferred experience establishing an inhouse legal team.
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to advise at the executive level.
• A strong commercial and operational focus to support the critical assessment and distillation of complex legal issues into clear, pragmatic solutions-focused advice.  

Why work with us?

• This permanent full time role is classified as a Divisional Manager with a total remuneration package of $223,783 to $235,340 per annum.
• Flexible working arrangements where our people are empowered to design their days with their teams. Read our hybrid playbook HERE.
• $650 home office set up allowance for eligible employees.
• Free and secure on-site parking with on-site café at our Mitcham office
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 15 days paid personal leave, which can be used for caring, well-being, mental health, menstrual or menopause.
• Request to swap certain public holidays for another day of paid leave.

To read more about our benefits and culture, read our employee handbook HERE

Did you know?

Research shows that men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised people tend to only apply when they meet all of them. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily tick every box, please apply or get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.

How to apply

Applications should include a supporting Cover Letter and Resume.

Closing date: 14th October 2024

This position is available for Yarra Valley Water employees and external applicants.

We welcome applications from everyone, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with Disability, mature age and young job seekers, members of the LGBTI+ community, and people from all cultural backgrounds. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please contact us via email recruit@yvw.com.au

Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks, if required for the position. This may also include a Police Check or AusCheck, where an offer will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of these checks.