Senior Manager, Legal Counsel

Company Description

Fairness feels good

Make a real impact at AFCA. Where fairness drives every decision. Help us deliver world-class, independent complaints resolution for Australians. As a not-for-profit and progressive financial ombudsman, we're championing positive change. Achieving our purpose takes progressive thinking, accountability and resilience. At AFCA, our inclusive leadership values every voice. We offer our people flexible work options, thoughtful benefits and opportunities to deepen expertise. Flourish in a diverse, caring culture. Feel the difference of belonging to an organisation intentionally designed to put people first.

Job Description

At AFCA, our Legal team plays a critical role in protecting our reputation and ensuring we meet our legal obligations with integrity and precision. As the Senior Manager, Legal Counsel (Corporate), you'll lead a small team of direct reports within the broader AFCA Legal team, guiding AFCA on complex legal matters and shaping strategic outcomes that support our people, customers, and stakeholders.

This is more than a legal role, it's a leadership opportunity to drive change, foster growth, and embed a culture of excellence.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver strategic and expert legal advice across AFCA's corporate services portfolio including insurance, cyber security, AI, property, privacy, membership and commercial arrangements
• Manage complex escalations, litigation, and disclosure obligations with a focus on reputational risk.
• Assist AFCA's adoption of AI and other emerging technologies to enhance efficiencies and excellence internally and with the customers and communities we serve.
• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of direct report lawyers to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Proactively partner with internal stakeholders to manage legal risk by anticipating issues and proposing solutions.
• Partner with the Head of Legal to embed change strategies and deliver AFCA's strategic and operational plans.
• Demonstrate and champion legal risk management, compliance, and governance.
• Monitor and communicate regulatory changes impacting AFCA's obligations.
• Collaborate across the business to align legal services with strategic goals.
• Support a great place to work through inclusive leadership and purposeful engagement.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in law are essential
• Proven experience in a people management role with proven people management skills, strong leadership capabilities and high emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Ability to make accountable and logical skills, including demonstrated skills in analyzing and investigating issues, and developing and negotiating solutions
• Strong interpersonal, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills, with strong attention to detail
• Sound knowledge of relevant financial services law, practice and regulation

Additional Information

• BOSS Best Places to Work 2024 –credited for its culture, engagement and flexible working arrangements.
• Most Inclusive Workplace 2024 – Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards.
• Employer of Choice Public Sector and NFP – Australian HR Awards 2023
• Silver AWEI Accreditation 2025 – Recognised for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.
• Accredited Family Friendly Workplace – Supporting work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Hybrid working – Flexible arrangements with state-of-the-art offices designed for collaboration and wellbeing.
• Inclusive leave options – Flexible public holidays, 20 weeks paid parental leave, gender affirmation leave, women's health leave, and paid time off over Christmas.
• Financial benefits – Not-for-profit salary packaging to boost take-home pay.
• Locations – A team of over 1,200 dedicated professionals based in modern Melbourne and Sydney CBD offices.

To apply

If you're passionate about fairness and believe your skills align with this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single criterion.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. If you require any accessibility support during the recruitment process, please reach out to our team at

AFCA is a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer - we are committed to responding to every applicant.