Position overview

• Permanent, Full-Time opportunity
• True hybrid working - work from home and our Mitcham office
• $170,000 Total Remuneration Package per annum (inclusive of 12% superannuation)

The role
Yarra Valley Water, a government-owned public entity, is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to assist in its new inhouse legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will partner with the business to provide legal advice on regulatory matters affecting the day-to-day operations of the organisation. The ideal candidate has a strong commercial orientation and the ability to provide clear, pragmatic and solutions-focused advice.

About us
We're on a mission to create a brighter future, where you can be a change maker at the actual source. We're one of Australia's largest water utilities with over 30% of Victoria's population relying on us for their essential water and sanitation services.

Our award-winning culture fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment that enables our people to thrive. Here, you'll be inspired and challenged to grow alongside us.

We're committed to reconciliation and supporting the self-determined role for Traditional Owners/Custodians in water and land management.

Your key responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality legal advice across key areas including water, property, construction, procurement, environment freedom of information and privacy law.
• Act as the Privacy and FOI Officer, ensuring the timely and compliant handling of all requests in line with statutory requirements.
• Review, draft, and negotiate a broad range of contracts, agreements, and legal documents, including those related to property, partnerships, and service delivery.
• Advise on and manage legal disputes and litigation, coordinating with external advisors and insurers to minimise risk and protect the organisation's interests.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of legal team operations and processes, including updating precedent and templates for use across the business.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and admission as a legal practitioner in Australia with post-qualification legal experience.
• Experience in the water industry or public sector considered favourably.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver persuasive presentation and influence decision-making.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

To view the full position description, click HERE.

Why Yarra Valley Water?
We celebrate and encourage new thinking at every level. Creating opportunities for you to grow - both professionally, and personally. When you flourish, we all do.

• $170,000 Total Remuneration Package per annum (inclusive of 12% superannuation)
• Flexible working arrangements where our people are empowered to design their days with their team. Read our hybrid playbook HERE.
• Free and secure on-site parking with on-site café at our Mitcham office
• 14 weeks paid leave parental leave
• 15 days paid personal leave, which can be used for caring, wellbeing, mental health, menstrual or menopause
• Request to swap certain public holidays for another day of paid leave

To read more about our benefits and culture, read our employee handbook HERE.

Did you know?
Research shows that men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised people tend to only apply when they meet all of them. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily tick every box, please apply or get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.

How to apply
Applications should include a supporting Cover Letter and Resume.
Closing date: Sunday, 28th September 2025
This position is available for Yarra Valley Water employees and external applicants.

While we appreciate all past interest, we are currently seeking new applicants for this opportunity.

We welcome applications from everyone, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature age and young job seekers, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people of all cultural backgrounds. If you need this information in an accessible format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please call 03 9872 2542 or email [email protected].

If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss the recruitment process, please contact us via email [email protected].

Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks, if required for the position. This may also include a Police Check or AusCheck, where an offer will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of these checks.