ABOUT THE COMPANY

ESS Super is one of Australia's largest super funds, serving over 136,000 Victorian emergency services and state employees with over $24 billion in assets.

ESS Super was created almost 100 years ago in recognition of the people who safeguard the security and well-being of Victorians to help them achieve the comfortable retirement they deserve. It is a purpose-led organisation that focuses on its people's development and wellness and makes a valuable impact in the community.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role ensures the organisation operates within legal boundaries, safeguards its interests, and maintains strong governance practices. Acting as Board Secretary, the position supports decision-making and regulatory obligations and will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and the board. It also oversees risk and compliance, ensuring robust controls and proactive responses to industry developments during a period of strategic transformation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the legal function, providing strategic advice across the business and managing external counsel relationships effectively;
• Oversee contract governance, ensuring all agreements meet legal and regulatory standards;
• Monitor legislative changes and guide policy development, including drafting reform proposals and liaising with government stakeholders;
• Provide legal oversight on major projects, disputes, and risk mitigation strategies;
• Serve as Board Secretary, managing governance processes, meeting coordination, and board documentation;
• Advise the Board and CEO on governance, decision-making, and compliance obligations;
• Lead the risk and compliance function, embedding a strong risk culture and ensuring regulatory alignment;
• Manage relationships with regulators and industry bodies to support best practice outcomes;
• Support executive leadership with legal input on strategic initiatives, board reporting, and operational planning;
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a client-focused and commercially aware culture;
• Drive continuous improvement in legal, governance, and compliance practices; AND
• Oversee operational risk management, including fraud prevention, whistleblower policy, and service provider oversight.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• A degree in law and admission to legal practice in Victoria is preferred;
• Extensive legal experience across both in-house and private practice environments - preferred;
• A strong understanding and track record working in the superannuation industry is a core requirement.
• Broad commercial legal expertise advising super funds on a range of matters;
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats, including for Board-level audiences; AND
• Proven leadership and people management capabilities.

This is a critical role that will suit the type of person who thrives within a collaborative and purpose-led organisation that promotes a culture of flexibility and accountability.

It is also an exciting opportunity to join a highly collaborative, family-friendly organisation that recognises and rewards its people with a fun yet challenging working environment.

If you are a committed and dedicated superannuation legal, risk and compliance executive seeking an opportunity to deliver outstanding outcomes, please contact Amanda Chisholm at Kaizen Recruitment on 0412 123 726 [email protected] or apply via the attached email link.

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