In-House Counsel & Property Services Lead (Hybrid)

Careers at Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements - hybrid

Gym membership discount

Learning and development opportunities

Annual salary increase as per LocalGov

Vehicle allowance

Relocation support

Salary packaging options

Employee assistance program

Recognition through awards

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) seeks an experienced In House Counsel to lead the Legal & Governance Services team. This role blends legal expertise with property services to deliver practical, commercially focused advice and robust contractual oversight.

You will advise on planning, property, environmental law, procurement and governance, draft complex agreements, manage external advisers, and lead the property services function including land transactions and system management.

Qualifications

• Hold a law degree and a current unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• Minimum three years' post-admission experience in private practice, local government or in-house.
• Experience managing property matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to provide clear, practical advice to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and commercially focused legal advice across planning, property, environmental law, procurement, contracts, governance and compliance matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts, deeds, leases, licences and other complex agreements.
• Manage legal matters and external advisers while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Lead Council's property services function, including land transactions, lease and licence management, and related systems.
• Support the General Counsel in driving continuous improvement and innovation within the Legal & Governance Services team.

Skills

Legal advice

Contract drafting

Property matters

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Education

Law degree

NSW Practising Certificate

Tools

PEXA

Job description

Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) seeks an experienced In House Counsel to lead the Legal & Governance Services team. This role blends legal expertise with property services to deliver practical, commercially focused advice and robust contractual oversight.

You will advise on planning, property, environmental law, procurement and governance, draft complex agreements, manage external advisers, and lead the property services function including land transactions and system management.