Company Secretary and General Counsel

• Location: Geelong
• Statuses: Contract
• Duration: 3 years

About the role

At Barwon Water, we believe every individual has something valuable to offer. We understand that the more diverse our 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.

Our Strategy 2030 vision is to enable regional prosperity. In this senior role, you'll lead and manage the Barwon Water Group Company secretary function including Board support and governance and provide legal advisory and counsel oversight and oversee integrity related policies and procedures across the Barwon Water Group.

This role is the key adviser to the Board and executive on Board governance, legal, and integrity matters and ensures the effective operation of the Board and its Committees including governance systems, compliance frameworks, performance evaluations and director development.

The role is accountable for leading a high-performing team, fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration and managing key external relationships to protect and enhance the organisation's reputation and interests.

An integral partner of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll lead the preparation and delivery of comprehensive, accurate, and timely reports to the Board, Board Sub Committees, Executive Leadership, and General Manager People and Corporate, covering legal, integrity, compliance, and regulatory matters.

Ensure all reporting meets statutory and fiduciary obligations, upholds best-practice corporate governance, and provides proactive insights on emerging risks to support robust organisational oversight and informed decision-making. The role will provide expert procurement, legal contract and commercial advice, for complex matters, developing strategies for effective and efficient outcomes.

A highly regarded leader with solid corporate legal and governance execution and experience, you understand the value of a constructive partnership, effectively leading internal relationships, and key external stakeholders.

• Position Description

About you

With in-depth knowledge and experience in Board and subcommittee governance, you'll bring fresh ideas and business process improvements to our organisation. Your extensive experience at the executive or senior leadership level will assist you to comfortably navigate the complexities in Board governance, risk management frameworks and controls, and regulatory requirements. You will possess strong communication and relationship skills, with the ability to engage and influence.

You're someone with strong legal capability, contract management, and financial skills, who demonstrates strong political acumen and governance, with an understanding of how to align business and community needs with environmental, sustainability and financial goals. You're an outstanding communicator with exceptional stakeholder management strengths, and you build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation and external, to drive outcomes and improvements.

An experienced leader of multidisciplinary teams, you are adept at influencing colleagues and collaborators. You're passionate to deliver real change and benefit to the organisation.

Why join us?

We're flexible and know the importance of work/life balance. If you're a parent or caregiver, studying or have other needs, we can support you with flexible work hours and leave options.

We have set ourselves inspirational goals towards achieving regional prosperity and we are delivering on them.

Our work requires more than just engineering and scientific solutions. We're learning from the tens of thousands of years of knowledge and insight from Traditional Custodians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.

Get in touch

Does this opportunity sound like it might be a good fit for you?

Submit your cover letter and resume now.

We lead. We learn. We deliver. We care about a better future.

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 noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

Enquiries to Melissa Stephens, General Manager People and Corporate, on

Applications close Sunday, 28 September 2025.