Chief Legal Officer

3 weeks ago

Townsville City, Australia Wellington Shire Council Full time

Overview

Drive development of contemporary governance frameworks, strengthen organisational compliance & uplift legal literacy & risk awareness for Council

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Responsibilities

- Provide organisation-wide influence & strategic direction

- Strengthen governance maturity & ethical & lawful decision‑making

- Exceptional North Queensland lifestyle

City of Townsville is seeking an accomplished and influential Chief Legal Officer to lead its legal, governance and compliance functions at a pivotal time for the organisation. As the principal legal advisor to Council, the Chief Legal Officer plays a critical role in shaping the organisation's strategic direction, strengthening governance maturity, and ensuring the highest standards of ethical and lawful decision‑making across one of Queensland's largest regional councils.

Reporting to the Director Business Services, the Chief Legal Officer provides authoritative and strategic legal counsel to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Councillors, guiding decision‑making on complex matters including major projects, planning, procurement, administrative law, contract negotiation, and statutory interpretation. The role oversees Legal Services, Governance, Risk and Compliance, and the Council Secretariat, and is accountable for a significant portfolio and a capable team of legal, governance and risk professionals.

Leading with integrity and professional credibility, the Chief Legal Officer will drive the development of contemporary governance frameworks, strengthen organisational compliance, and uplift legal literacy and risk awareness across the organisation. You will bring clarity and confidence to legal risk management, ensuring Council's exposure is well understood and appropriately mitigated, while also overseeing litigation, dispute resolution and the effective engagement of external legal providers. With Council undertaking transformational initiatives, including major developments such as the Lansdown Eco‑Industrial Precinct and future PPP opportunities, the Chief Legal Officer will play a central role in enabling sustainable and commercially sound outcomes for the community.

Success in this role requires not only deep legal expertise and public sector governance knowledge, but the gravitas to influence senior leaders, provide firm and timely advice, and guide the organisation through complexity. You will bring extensive experience in large, multidisciplinary or public sector environments, with the confidence to challenge respectfully, lead organisational cultural improvement, and build cohesion within the team. Your authenticity, judgement and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups will be essential Council strengthens its governance maturity, risk culture and organisational capability.

Qualifications

This is an opportunity to join a refreshed executive environment, contribute to an exciting program of city‑shaping projects, and leave a legacy of strengthened governance, ethical leadership and organisational excellence. Applications are invited from senior legal professionals with relevant tertiary qualifications, admitted in Queensland with a current practising certificate and demonstrated executive leadership experience.

How to Apply

To download a comprehensive information pack and to apply, go to mcarthur.com.au and search under J8646. For a confidential discussion, call Julie Barr on (07) 3211 9700.

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