Executive General Counsel

ExecThread; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

ExecThread is seeking an Executive General Counsel to serve as the company’s most senior legal adviser and lead the legal strategy and function. This executive role requires delivering strategic legal guidance to the CEO, Executive team, and Board while shaping governance and risk management across the organization.

The ideal candidate will hold a law degree, be admitted in Australia, and possess a current Victorian practicing certificate or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in law and admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
• Current Victorian practicing certificate or eligibility to obtain one.
• Substantial senior legal experience in large, complex, highly regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of public sector governance and statutory decision-making.
• Experience in health, government, or similarly regulated sectors is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead the legal team and manage external legal providers.
• Ensure legal compliance and risk management across the organization.
• Provide independent, authoritative advice to the CEO, Executive, and Board.
• Shape and direct the company’s legal strategy and governance framework.

Skills

Senior legal experience

Public sector governance understanding

Regulatory decision-making

Education

Law degree (tertiary qualification in law)

Job description

The Company is seeking an Executive General Counsel to serve as its most senior legal adviser and lead the legal strategy and function. This executive leadership role is pivotal in shaping significant organizational decisions across a range of legal, governance, commercial, regulatory, and contentious matters.

The successful candidate will be a trusted strategic partner to the Chief Executive, Executive, and Board, providing independent and authoritative advice on the most critical legal issues. Key responsibilities include leading the legal team, managing external legal providers, and ensuring legal compliance and risk management. The role also demands the ability to influence and build alignment at the highest levels, as well as a commitment to the values of the organization.

To be considered for this position, candidates must have a tertiary qualification in law, be an admitted legal practitioner in Australia, and have a current Victorian practicing certificate or eligibility to obtain one. Substantial senior legal experience, particularly in a large, complex, and highly regulated environment, is essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of public sector governance, statutory decision-making, and a proven track record in leading legal matters.

Experience in health, government, or a similarly regulated sector is highly regarded. The role requires a professional with exceptional judgment, leadership skills, and the ability to distill complex issues into clear recommendations. Strong emotional intelligence, composure, and a commitment to public service are also key attributes for the role.