Our client is the largest of Melbourne’s three water corporations, operating from Melbourne's eastern region. Serving an area of 4,000 square kilometers, our client manages an extensive network that includes over 20,000 kilometers of water and sewer mains. With assets valued at nearly $6 billion, they play a vital role in delivering reliable water services and infrastructure management across Melbourne.
About the role
The General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Advisor to our client, providing strategic legal advice and oversight to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations as mandated under the Water Act 1989 and related legislation. This role includes advising the Executive leadership team, overseeing legal operations, and managing regulatory, governance, and compliance issues to align with our client's strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Advisory and Strategy
The General Counsel serves as the Chief Legal Advisor to our client, providing strategic legal advice and oversight to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations as mandated under the Water Act 1989 and related legislation. This role includes advising the Executive leadership team, overseeing legal operations, and managing regulatory, governance, and compliance issues to align with our client's strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Legal Advisory and Strategy
- Provide comprehensive legal advice across corporate governance, contracts, regulatory compliance, and public entity obligations.
- Lead legal input for our client’s strategic Price Submission and critical projects.
- Collaborate within the water sector, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
- Ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and policies.
- Partner with Corporate Secretary to support corporate governance frameworks and update governance policies.
- Oversee FOI, privacy, and whistleblower functions for timely and lawful processing.
- Review, draft, and negotiate contracts related to procurement, partnerships, and service delivery.
- Identify potential legal risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
- Oversee all legal disputes, including public liability cases, and manage external legal support.
- Serve as the liaison with government panel law firms, monitoring performance and legal spend.
- 10+ years post-qualification in legal practice, with significant experience in senior in-house counsel roles.
- Demonstrated ability to energize and inspire teams, fostering a constructive organizational culture.
- High attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking to anticipate issues and develop practical solutions.
- Personal Attributes: High ethical standards, integrity, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships effectively.
- Previous experience within utilities will be highly regarded