Head of Governance and Risk

Mornington Peninsula Shire; Mornington; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking a Senior Officer - Governance & Risk to lead governance, risk, compliance and assurance functions across the organisation. You will provide strategic advice to support informed decision-making and promote transparency and accountability within Council.

Reporting to the Manager – Governance & Risk, you will build capability, drive continuous improvement of governance frameworks, and lead high‑performing teams to deliver high‑quality outcomes for the community.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading governance, risk or compliance functions.
• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements; translate to practical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement with senior leaders.
• Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking and political awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of governance, risk, compliance and assurance functions across the organisation.
• Provide strategic advice to support informed decision-making.
• Promote good governance, transparency and accountability across Council.
• Build governance capability through education, support and practical guidance.
• Drive continuous improvement of governance frameworks, policies, systems and processes.
• Manage and develop high-performing Governance & Risk teams.

Skills

Governance leadership

Risk management

Compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Job description

Mornington Peninsula Shire is Victoria's destination municipality, characterised by unique townships, highly productive agriculture, world renowned landscapes, tourist regions, and areas of national and international conservation significance within a vital Green Wedge.

The Shire is responsible for a broad range of infrastructure and community services that support the wellbeing and prosperity of our diverse community. With approximately 1,000 employees, it is a busy and vibrant workplace.

What’s on Offer

• Work Life Balance – We offer a hybrid working model, flexible working arrangements and generous leave provisions.
• Culture – Positive, fun and inclusive work environment that is underpinned by our core values which are integral to everything we do. These are Integrity, Openness, Courage, Respect, and Excellence.
• Opportunity – Temporary full-time role up until 30 June 2029, based in the Rosebud office. Senior Officer - Starting from $147,612.49 per annum (excl. super).
• Leadership – Contribute to the strategic outcomes delivered by Mornington Peninsula Shire with an organisation who focuses on our people and the community.
• Job Satisfaction – Have a meaningful impact on the community by contributing to achieve positive outcomes across the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager - Governance & Risk the core responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of governance, risk, compliance and assurance functions across the organisation.
• Providing strategic advice and guidance to support informed decision-making.
• Promoting good governance, transparency and accountability across Council.
• Building governance capability through education, support and practical guidance.
• Driving continuous improvement of governance frameworks, policies, systems and processes.
• Managing and developing high-performing Governance & Risk teams.

About You

• Extensive experience leading governance, risk or compliance functions and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory requirements, with the ability to translate complex requirements into practical solutions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience providing advice to senior leaders and presenting complex information.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking and political awareness, with the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire is committed to creating a diverse and safe environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and Child Safe employer. We encourage applications from First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, and people of all genders, sexualities and age groups.

Mornington Peninsula Shire undertakes a variety of employment screening checks. This includes employment references, Working with Children Checks and Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).

Applicants must have valid Australian work rights.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:Pamela Vercoe, Manager – Governance & Risk, 0481 063 ***.

Applications Close: Thursday 15 October 2026.