Manager Legal & Property Services

Ourmob.com.au Chemistry Pty; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Gym discount

Welcome Experience

Career development

Annual raises

Long service leave

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging

Awards ceremony

Job summary

Port Macquarie Hastings Council in Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Legal & Property Services Manager to lead the legal and property services function within the Legal & Governance Services team.

The role combines practical legal advice across planning, environment, procurement and contracts with hands-on management of property land transactions, leases and systems, including PEXA, to support council operations and community outcomes.

Qualifications

• A law degree and an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• At least three years post-admission experience in private practice, local government or an in-house legal environment.
• Experience managing property matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to provide clear, practical advice to a broad range of stakeholders.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Legal advice

Property matters

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Law degree

NSW Practising Certificate

Tools

PEXA

Job description

About the Opportunity

At Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC), every employeeplays an important role in delivering positive outcomes for our community.We're looking for an experienced and motivated Legal & Property ServicesManager to join our Legal & Governance Services team.

This is a unique opportunity to combine legal skills with operational property servicesin a role that offers variety, challenge and meaningfulimpact.

Reporting to the Group Manager Legal & GovernanceServices (General Counsel), you'll work alongside a progressive andsupportive leader who is committed to continuous improvement and deliveringhigh-quality services across Council. You'll join a collaborative team thatvalues professionalism, innovation, sound judgement and a service-focusedapproach.

As the Legal & Property Services Manager, you will:

• Provide practical andcommercially focused legal advice across planning, property, environmentallaw, procurement, contracts, governance and compliance matters.
• Draft, review andnegotiate a range of legal documents, including contracts, deeds, leases,licences and other complex agreements.
• Manage legal matters andexternal legal advisers, while ensuring compliance with relevantlegislative and regulatory requirements.
• Lead Council's propertyservices function, including land transactions, lease and licencemanagement, and the systems that support property operations.
• Support the GeneralCounsel in driving continuous improvement and innovation within the Legal& Governance Services team.

You will bring:

• A law degree and acurrent unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• At least three years'post-admission experience in private practice, local government or anin-house legal environment.
• Experience managingproperty matters, land transactions and related systems, including PEXA.
• Leadership orsupervisory experience.
• Strongrelationship-building skills and the ability to provide clear, practicaladvice to a broad range of stakeholders.
• A current Class C DriverLicence.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in arole that genuinely makes a difference. You'll work on diverse and interestingmatters, contribute to significant community outcomes, and be part of acollaborative team that values expertise, initiative and continuousimprovement.

If you're looking for a role where you can combine legalexcellence with leadership and influence the way services are delivered acrossCouncil, we'd love to hear from you.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment Type: Full time, Permanent 35 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting in the range of$134,858 to $150,948 depending on skills and experience

Opportunity for performance based increases

This role also qualifies for a Vehicle allowance

Benefits:

• Flexiblework arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership throughmembership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to TheWelcome Experience
• Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• Annual salary increase as per theLocal Government (State) Award 2026
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options availablethrough Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awardsceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviablelocations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect forhiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food andwine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this opportunity orhave any questions about the role, please contact Anthea Gilmore, Group ManagerLegal and Governance Services (General Counsel) on 02 6581 8631.

Interested in Applying?

Applications Close:Sunday 11 October at 11:30pm

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [e-mail].

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Notes:

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to completepre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National CriminalPolice Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working withChildren Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process isprimarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correctbefore submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: applicationreceived, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/moreinformation, delay notifications, testing/assessments(aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes(unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensureour email address [e-mail] and Pulse email [e-mail] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to theprinciples of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care andprotection of all children and young people.