At Wollongong City Council, we continuously strive to create an Extraordinary Wollongong. We focus on the delivery of exceptional services, infrastructure and facilities for our community.

Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.

We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.

Are you passionate about strategic thinking, risk management, and making a real impact in your community?

The Opportunity

At Wollongong City Council, we're committed to creating an extraordinary city-one that's safe, inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking. Step into a pivotal role as our Principal Risk Advisor, where your expertise will guide the identification and management of strategic risks that safeguard our people, protect our assets, and strengthen our community.

You'll be at the forefront of identifying and managing strategic risks across Council's operations. Work closely with teams across the organisation to assess risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure our frameworks are aligned with best practice. From coordinating risk assessments and inspections to supporting the renewal of our insurance portfolio, your work will directly contribute to the safety and resilience of our city.

This is a Permanent Full-Time position. Salary from $107,911.61 up to $129,020.87 per annum plus (Salary package will be assessed based on skills, experience and qualifications).

How you'll make a difference

As a key advisor in our Governance and Risk team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening Council's strategic risk landscape. This role will see you lead meaningful change, influence decision-making, and help us shape our future of risk management.

You'll play a key role in educating staff, maintaining strategic risk registers, and preparing reports and presentations that inform decision-making at the highest levels. You'll take the lead in conducting proactive risk assessments and providing expert advice to teams across Council, helping to prevent future risks and minimise potential losses. You'll stay ahead of the curve by refining our risk strategies and frameworks, ensuring we're always aligned with best practices and ready for what's next.

With a sharp focus on best practices and industry trends, you'll keep our Risk Management Framework future-ready. You'll also work closely with leaders and operational teams to identify and manage risks, offering practical tools and tailored guidance. As a trusted partner, you'll collaborate with risk owners to drive strategic initiatives that align with Council's long-term goals. Your expertise will also support our insurance program, including annual renewals and stakeholder engagement, while your attention to detail will help safeguard Council assets through property risk inspections and follow-up actions.

About you

As someone who thrives on variety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, you are both strategic and hands-on with a passion for public service and a sharp eye for risk. You'll have a solid foundation in strategic and operational risk, backed by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Your deep understanding of risk frameworks and standards will be matched by your sharp analytical mind and ability to translate insights into action. You'll be a clear and persuasive communicator-comfortable preparing reports, presenting to stakeholders, and collaborating across teams. With strong organisational skills, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and deadlines matter. A team player at heart, you'll also be ready to work independently when needed. A current Class C Driver's Licence and the flexibility to attend site visits across the Wollongong LGA are essential.

Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!

• True work-life balance
  We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes.
• Great working conditions
  Enjoy a 35-hour work week.
• Career growth and recognition
  We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
• Generous leave provisions
  Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years.
• Health, safety, and wellbeing
  We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships.
• A vibrant social culture
  Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!

Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.

For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.

Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 28 July 2025.

We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.

Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.

Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.