Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is one of Victoria's most distinctive local government areas, renowned for its coastal environment, vibrant townships and highly engaged community. Committed to delivering quality services and positive community outcomes, Council is focused on strengthening organisational capability, accountability and continuous improvement. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and engaging governance leader to join the organisation in the newly created position of Head of Governance and Risk. Reporting to the Manager Governance and Risk, this role will provide critical leadership across the governance and enterprise risk functions, supporting the delivery of contemporary, responsive and effective governance practices across the organisation. With strong executive support and a clear commitment to improvement, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to how governance is understood, embedded and delivered across Council.
As Head of Governance and Risk, you will provide operational leadership to established teams while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the governance function. A key priority will be supporting the implementation of a recent service review and transitioning towards a more proactive, business-partnering approach that strengthens relationships, builds organisational capability and positions governance as a trusted and accessible partner to the business. You will lead continuous improvement across governance frameworks, policies, processes and practices, promoting high-quality reporting, sound decision-making, effective compliance and a strong culture of accountability. Central to your success will be your ability to develop and empower your team, build confidence in stakeholder engagement and work collaboratively across the organisation to identify and address governance challenges before they arise. Working closely with the Manager Governance and Risk, you will also provide professional advice on complex and sensitive matters, ensuring the organisation maintains strong governance standards while delivering practical, customer-focused outcomes.
To be successful, you will bring substantial experience leading governance functions within a complex, regulated or politically sensitive environment, together with a demonstrated track record of driving continuous improvement and organisational change. Experience in local government will be highly regarded, although candidates from broader government and similarly regulated sectors with transferable expertise are encouraged to apply. You will possess a strong understanding of governance, legislative compliance and risk management, complemented by sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to translate complex requirements into practical solutions. Importantly, you will be a personable, approachable and collaborative leader who can build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and support teams through change. Your ability to engage confidently across all levels of an organisation, develop the capability of others and foster a proactive, service-oriented culture will be essential. Offering the opportunity to lead meaningful transformation, work alongside a supportive leadership team and contribute to a highly engaged community, this is an attractive opportunity for a governance professional seeking to make a lasting impact.
To request a copy of the Success Profile for this opportunity, please email steph.davidson@davidsonwp.com
To apply, please click ‘Apply Now’ and upload your CV and cover letter. For any questions not outlined in the position description or for a confidential discussion, please contact Alannah O’Carroll on 0426 691 205 or Kate Chase on 0412 254 802.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do. Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on 27 November at 5pm.
