Current vacancies

General Counsel

Build a practical in-house legal function for our future

Mitchell Shire is entering a defining chapter.

40km north of Melbourne, our Shire spans Beveridge, Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour. We’re a key growth corridor — balancing rapid residential expansion with the country character and community values that make Mitchell, Mitchell. With more than 64,000 residents today and strong growth ahead, every one of our 40+ townships has a role to play.

We’re setting the organisation up for what’s next.

A new structure, four new senior leadership roles, clearer accountability and faster decisions. This position — our first in-house General Counsel — brings Legal and Property together to enable timely, well-reasoned decisions, reduce external spend and protect public value. It’s strategic when required and hands-on when it counts.

About the role

The General Counsel is Council’s principal legal adviser.

Reporting to the Director, Organisational Performance and working with the Senior Management Team, you’ll establish a contemporary, service-oriented legal function, lead the Property team and turn complexity into clear, actionable solutions.  

Focus areas include property transactions, commercial agreements, procurement and probity, governance and administrative decision-making - supported by the systems and templates that help teams deliver at pace.

Your focus is simple: help the organisation make good decisions, quickly and confidently.

You’ll deliver:

• Clear, plain-language advice across property, contracts, procurement, planning, governance and administrative law.
• Drafting and negotiation of leases, licences, deeds and commercial agreements aligned to Council’s risk profile and obligations.
• Practical templates, playbooks and a central advice library so good practice is easy to apply and repeat.
• Smart triage and oversight of external firms to ensure quality and value for money.
• Targeted training and coaching that lifts decision-making across the organisation.
• Straightforward reporting to the Executive Leadership Team and Council on legal risk, issues and trends, with early visibility of emerging matters.

Your portfolio covers:

• Legal & Property — in-house advice, transactions, leasing and licensing, and team leadership with a strategic property focus.
• Commercial and Contracts — standard forms, negotiation guidance, and contract governance.
• Information and Compliance — legislation advice and public interest disclosures.
• External Counsel and Panels — briefs, quality control, and budget management.

About you

Calm, credible, and practical. You can set direction with the Executive Leadership Team, then roll up your sleeves on a deed, land negotiation or contract clause to keep work moving. You value pace without cutting corners and you translate complexity into options people can use.

You bring:

• Law degree and current (or eligible) Victorian practising certificate.
• Strong property and commercial experience, ideally in local government or the broader public sector.
• Proven drafting and negotiation skills with excellent stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership that sets expectations, builds capability and supports delivery.
• Confidence moving between strategy and detail without losing pace.

Why Mitchell? Why now?

Work where momentum is real and impact is visible — in the heart of Victoria. You’ll help shape planned communities and town centres while preserving what people value about living here. The role has scope to modernise how legal is done in local government and to build a function others will look to.

We offer:

• Meaningful work for a growing community.
• Flexible work options and supportive leaders in a values-led culture.
• Professional development and the chance to shape policy, systems and practice.

• A competitive total remuneration package (from $185k dependant on experience, inclusive of superannuation), including option for a private use vehicle as well as additional benefits

This is a full time permanent position.

Want More Info?  

• Contact Frank Joyce Director Organisational Performance for a confidential conversation on 0417 620 488.
• To apply, submit your cover letter and resume addressing the Key Selection Criteria. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Mitchell Shire Council is a Child Safe Organisation. The successful applicant will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check, prior to commencement. Mitchell Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace.

Applications close at 5pm Friday 7 November 2025.