Manager Legal and Governance

Moree Plains Shire Council; Moree; Hybrid; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% Superannuation Contribution

Relocation assistance

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Moree Plains Shire Council invites a senior legal and governance professional to lead strategic legal advisory services and governance framework enhancements. You will advise the General Manager and Executive Leadership Team, shaping policy, risk controls and organisational decisions.

You will oversee contracts, funding agreements, compliance duties such as Right to Information, and anti-fraud initiatives, while coordinating elections and councillor induction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Law or equivalent.
• Admission as a lawyer in NSW Supreme Court or immediate eligibility.
• Practising Certificate with condition 2 removed, or immediate ability to obtain.
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation.
• Experience interpreting legislation and drafting complex legal/ transactional documents.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to the General Manager and Executive Leadership Team.
• Design and drive continuous improvement of governance framework.
• Act as Principal Legal Officer and review contracts and funding agreements.
• Coordinate Public Interest Disclosure, Complaints and Right to Information.
• Lead anti-fraud framework and support Audit Risk and Improvement Committee.
• Oversee Local Government elections and Councillor induction programs.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical

Communication skills

Judgement

Confidential information handling

Education

Bachelor of Law

Regulation & Governance qualification

Job description

Shape your future. Make an impact. Join Moree Plains Shire Council.

Ready for work that matters? At Moree Plains Shire Council, you will do more than fill a role — you will help shape a thriving regional community. Join a forward-thinking Council with big plans for growth, innovation and liveability, and build a career with real balance, purpose and impact.

If you are looking for a rewarding legal and governance career, meaningful work and genuine flexibility, this is where it starts...

• Local Government State Award Band 4 Level 1 Grade 21. (Open to negotiation for the right Applicant)
• 12% Superannuation Contribution.
• Location - Hybrid/ Remote

Why Choose Council?

• Genuine work-life balance including a rostered day off every three weeks giving you 17 extra days off each year.
• Relocation assistance available to help you seamlessly transition to our vibrant community.
• Professional development and training opportunities to build your leadership skills across Council.
• Competitive pay and benefits under the NSW Local Government (State) Award.
• Work that matters — directly improve liveability, growth and sustainability across the Moree Plains region.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture that values diversity, equity and wellbeing.
• A regional lifestyle with affordability, community connection and room to breathe.
• Fitness Passport providing discounted gym memberships and special rates across a wide network of fitness facilities for staff and families.

The Welcome Experience

The Welcome Experience in Moree Plains Shire Council connects you and your family with local people and local resources to help you settle in and feel at home in your new community faster.

Learn more at The Welcome Experience | NSW Government.

The Opportunity

Step into a strategic executive role providing high-level support to the General Manager and Executive Leadership Team. As the Manager Legal and Governance, you will provide strategic legal advice on complex matters to strengthen organisational decision-making and proactively manage risk. You will also design, implement and drive continuous improvement of our governance framework.

Your responsibilities will include acting as Council Principal Legal Officer and reviewing contracts and government funding agreements. You will operate as the Public Interest Disclosure Coordinator, Complaints Coordinator, and Right to Information Officer, ensuring full compliance with associated legislation. Furthermore, you will lead our anti-fraud framework, provide support to the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee, and oversee Local Government elections and Councillor induction programs.

About You

You are a strategic, analytical, and diplomatic leader with strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to integrity. You possess exceptional communication skills, sound judgement, and the proven ability to investigate complex matters and manage highly confidential information.

To succeed in this role, you will bring

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, ideally paired with qualifications in Regulation and Governance
• Completion of Practical Legal Training and admission as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of NSW, or the immediate ability to be admitted
• A current Practising Certificate issued by the NSW Law Society with condition 2 removed, or the immediate ability to obtain one
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Well-developed experience in interpreting legislation, preparing complex legal advice, and drafting transactional documents

Ready to make a real Impact?

Moree Plains Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and the communities we serve. We welcome you to bring your experience, culture, perspectives and ideas, because our best work happens when everyone feels respected, valued and that they belong. We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of all ages.