Deputy Company Secretary and Legal Counsel

• Impactful legal and governance role

• Bring influence leading to meaningful outcomes

• Community values centric organisation, flexible working options

Governance. Law. Influence. Purpose.

Looking for a role where your advice influences the Board, supports executive decision-making and drives meaningful organisational outcomes? Then read on…

About the Role

Bring your legal and governance expertise to a role where sound advice, trusted relationships and strong decision-making help shape a better future for our region.

As Deputy Company Secretary & Legal Counsel, you’ll lead the day-to-day delivery of Board and Committee secretariat services, coordinating governance calendars, agendas, briefing papers, minutes, actions and resolutions. You’ll also act as Company Secretary for Barwon Asset Solutions and step into the Barwon Water Company Secretary role during periods of leave.

Working closely with the Company Secretary & General Counsel, Board members, executives, regulators and external advisers, you’ll help ensure governance obligations are managed accurately, efficiently and with sound judgement. You’ll maintain governance frameworks, delegations, registers and statutory filings, support Board induction and performance processes, and translate legislative and regulatory developments into practical policies and business practices.

Beyond the boardroom, you’ll provide pragmatic and commercially focused legal advice across contracts, commercial arrangements, disputes, governance, privacy, freedom of information and regulatory matters. You’ll draft and negotiate agreements, manage assigned claims and litigation, coordinate external legal providers and help turn complex advice into clear action. With significant independence within established delegations, responsibility for leading the Board Executive Assistant and the opportunity to improve governance and legal systems, this is a role with genuine autonomy, visibility and impact.

About You

You’re an accomplished legal and governance professional who knows that great governance does more than manage risk. It enables confident decisions, builds trust and strengthens organisational performance. You’ll bring a relevant legal degree, current eligibility to practise as an Australian legal practitioner in Victoria, and extensive practical experience across legal and corporate governance matters. Company secretariat or governance qualifications will be highly regarded.

You have demonstrated experience supporting Boards and Committees and a strong understanding of directors’ duties, delegations, statutory compliance, Corporations Act requirements and ASIC processes. Your legal experience spans contracts, commercial matters, disputes, governance and regulatory issues, ideally gained in-house or within a public sector environment. You can assess complex matters, provide clear and commercially grounded advice, manage external counsel and legal spend, and recognise when an issue requires escalation or formal direction.

You combine excellent judgement and attention to detail with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and handle sensitive information with discretion. You’re comfortable setting priorities, leading a small specialist team and improving the systems, templates and processes that support high-quality governance and legal services. Most importantly, you’re motivated by purpose and want to apply your expertise in an organisation committed to customer and community value, regional prosperity, accountability, inclusion and a better future.

About Us

As a commercial fully owned subsidiary of Barwon Water, Barwon Asset Solutions (BAS) delivers quality asset maintenance, natural resource and land management and project services across a variety of industry sectors.  The Barwon Water Group vision for regional prosperity not only encompasses economic, social, and environmental elements, but also recreational and cultural elements, including enhancing First Nations values.

Why join us?

At Barwon Water, we believe that every individual has something valuable to offer. We understand that the more diverse workforce, the wider the variety of ideas we bring to the table. Enjoy being part of an organisation that values results, personal and professional growth, workplace diversity and a balance between work and life commitments.

Applications and a cover letter can be submitted via the Barwon Water Careers page – https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/about-us/careers

If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at [email protected] noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.