General Counsel

Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) stands at its most significant juncture, transforming from a regional port operator into a sophisticated trade gateway of national importance. With the $350m Port Maximisation Project underway, trade volumes surging 22%, revenue growing 44% and profitability growing 59%, MWPA is building a 25m tonne per annum operation that will drive regional prosperity for decades.

To sustain this momentum and navigate increasing complexity, MWPA is implementing a bold restructure of its Executive Leadership Team - creating a fit-for-purpose structure to drive the organisation's ambitious transformation agenda. This newly created role General Counsel is purposed to creating an inhouse legal function that provides authoritative legal counsel, strengthens governance frameworks and manage risks across the organisation.

The Role
The General Counsel is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for overseeing the legal, governance, audit, and compliance functions. The role ensures integrity, accountability and alignment with statutory obligations and public sector standards.

Providing expert legal advice on contracts, regulatory compliance, risk, and dispute resolution, you will support the CEO, executive team and Board with strategic insight and sound governance. You will also manage relationships with external legal advisors, government agencies, and regulators to promote transparency and trust. Additionally you will lead a small team to oversee internal audit and compliance activities, fostering ethical conduct and continuous improvement.

Furthermore through proactive leadership and strategic counsel, you will contribute to corporate objectives and long-term organisational sustainability.

About You
To be successful you will be an accomplished legal professional either in a commercial Senior Laywer role or from a reputable legal firm, ideally with experience in infrastructure, projects, property or industrial sectors. You will be a strategic communicator and relationship builder with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.

Further requirements include:

·     Bachelor of Laws

·     A current WA practicing certificate (or ability to obtain one)

·     Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills

·     Ability to deliver practical, risk aware legal solutions in an in-house environment

About Mid West Ports Authority
MWPA, primarily represented by Geraldton Port, services as a crucial gateway for Western Australia connecting regional Australia to national and international markets. It operates seven commercial berths as well as critical marine and land assets facilitating the export of diverse products including grain, mineral sands, iron ore and imports fuel, fertiliser and bulk cargo.

MWPA is unique as it also manages the Geraldton Fishing Boat Harbour that supports the region's largest fishing industry, Western Rock Lobster and is Geraldton's boat building and maintenance precinct. The harbour also supports tourist-based operations acting as a transit port and is focused on growing the cruise tourism market.

Location
This role is positioned in the Perth Head Office and will require some travel to Geraldton.

The opportunity to be based in Geraldton is also on offer. Geraldton is located 420km north of Perth and offers an exceptional lifestyle with pristine beaches, world-class fishing, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands on your doorstep, and is a growing regional city with excellent schools, healthcare, and amenities. For more information on Geraldton you can view the following video 

What is on offer
·    
Executive remuneration package
commensurate with experience and market

·    
Genuine executive influence
as a key member of the leadership team shaping organisational strategy

·    
Career-defining opportunity
to create an in-house legal function and lead strategy during growth and major infrastructure delivery

·    
Board-level exposure
with direct advisory role to CEO and Board of Directors

·    
Purpose-driven work
supporting regional economic prosperity and sustainable port operations

·    
Professional development
and executive leadership opportunities

To apply, please lodge your application via the link in this advertisement. For specific enquiries, please contact Eliza Alford
at ealford
referencing 33622.
Applications close:
Friday 14th November 2025.