Manager - Governance & Public Officer

Join a skilled executive leadership team

Varied and challenging permanent role that matters

Great culture & career development opportunities

As Manager – Governance & Public Officer, you will be responsible for the liaison between The Hills Shire Council and the public. We are looking for a dynamic and diplomatic Manager who can lead and effectively manage Council's governance and procurement systems, frameworks, and functions in compliance with legislation and statutory requirements. This integral and crucial role directly impacts The Hills Shire Council and the community. If you are looking for a challenging role where you can make a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Working with us: At The Hills Shire Council, we live our values of Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, and Safety through our work for the Community. We are committed to an inclusive, diverse, and supportive workplace culture where our people and customers feel respected and valued. Council also prides itself on being a Child Safe Organisation, dedicated to promoting the health, safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people in our community.

What this role looks like:

1. Develop, implement, communicate, and maintain governance and compliance policies, processes, and procedures that meet statutory legislation (e.g., Delegations, GIPA, PID, Related Party Pecuniary Interest returns), and maintain up-to-date registers.
2. Manage and respond to customer access to information via Council documents through formal and informal GIPA applications, including GIPA reporting obligations within statutory timeframes.
3. Oversee the development of Council's procurement and contract management policy framework and monitor organisational procurement practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in decision-making, providing best value for the Council and community.
4. Prepare and distribute Council meeting agendas, business papers, minutes, and coordinate Council Chambers setup. Attend all council meetings and workshops as required.
5. Provide support, guidance, and training to the Mayor and Councillors on their statutory obligations as elected officials and assist with their reporting requirements where needed.
6. Manage and maintain an efficient customer handling and tracking system for complaints, Ombudsman, OLG, and ICAC enquiries and responses.

What are we seeking from our new Manager – Governance & Public Officer:

1. More than 10 years of experience in a similar role with broad managerial responsibilities.
2. A degree in Law, Business Management, or a related discipline.
3. Extensive experience in governance and procurement, preferably within local government.
4. Demonstrated experience in implementing governance frameworks, managing compliance, and overseeing meeting protocols, with strong technical, analytical, and investigative skills.
5. Highly proficient in developing and implementing governance and procurement policies, systems, procedures, processes, and controls.

Benefits of working with us: Competitive rates starting from $226K per annum (including superannuation and car allowance), paid weekly; paid training; opportunity for bonuses; Fitness Passport; discounted membership at Waves Fitness & Aquatics Centre; free on-site undercover parking; and an active Social Club.

Next steps: Please review the Position Description and apply via Council's Careers Page, Careers at Council, by 5 pm on 26 September 2025. Applications will be processed upon receipt, so early submission is encouraged. People with disabilities who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply. For reasonable adjustments or assistance with your application, contact the HR team at hr@thehills.nsw.gov.au. Offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks including psychometric testing, reference checks, identity verification, medical assessments (including drug and alcohol screening), Working With Children checks (where applicable), and criminal history checks. We assess applications based on merit and suitability. Only individuals with the right to work in Australia may apply.