Job Title

Are you an experienced leader who thrives on making a real impact?Do you enjoy applying deep legal and alternative dispute resolution expertise to complex, high stakes matters?Are you ready to step into a new leadership role in a dynamic industry where your technical skills will shape outcomes for Victorian consumers?If the answer is yes then WE NEED YOU!Who we areThe Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) is a not-for-profit,independentand impartial dispute resolution service. We proudly provide Victorian energy and water consumers with free, accessible, and informal dispute resolution.Your new role and teamOur Legal and Risk team is a high-performing, collaborative group that plays a pivotal role in EWOV''s success. The team''s role is to ensure EWOV operates within legal and regulatory frameworks, proactively manages risks and upholds the highest standards of governance, privacy and dispute resolution.As our Head of Legal and Risk, you will lead our Legal, Privacy and Risk team. You will partner closely with senior leaders to ensure EWOV operates within legal and regulatory frameworks, proactively identifying and managing legal and compliance risks.You will deliver trusted, ethical advice that supports EWOV''s purpose. You will embed best practice governance, privacy compliance and dispute resolution standards across the organisation. The Head of Legal and Risk is a new role, reporting to the GM - Legal, Regulatory and Public affairs, and reflects the expanding need for legal advice within this dynamic industry.You''ll guide a high-performing team, act as an authoritative source of legal and alternative dispute resolution advice on complex matters, and influence policy and regulatory developments across the energy and water sectors. This role is pivotal in shaping EWOV''s legal strategy and in strengthening our relationships with regulators, industry bodies and other external stakeholders.What you''ll doLeading a small team of legal professionals, your role involves:Provide authoritative legal and dispute resolution advice on complex matters within EWOV''s jurisdiction (including interpretation of laws, regulations and industry codes).Lead organisation-wide governance, risk and compliance practices. Ensure robust controls and escalation pathways for legal and compliance risks.Oversee EWOV''s privacy function, embedding best practice processes, systems, awareness and culture.Shape legal policies, position statements and compliance frameworks; monitor legislative and regulatory change and advise on implications.Engage and manage external counsel.Provide training and coaching to uplift legal and dispute resolution capability across EWOV.What you''ll bringTo help you succeed in this role you''ll need to bring:Deep disputes expertise (investigation, conciliation, assessments) coupled with strong technical legal skills in regulatory contexts.Minimum of 6 years'' experience, where you have honed your exceptional legal skills.Experience in leading legal teams, with a proven ability to set legal strategy, manage governance and risk frameworks, and influence policy.A leadership style that creates a high trust, inclusive and values-driven environment where people can thrive.Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted, influential relationships across regulators, industry bodies and senior leaders.Experience in energy or other related fields would be a bonus.Current Victorian practising certificate and legal qualification.Ability to apply technical and industry knowledge of energy and water to quickly troubleshoot and solve problems or be self-driven to quickly learn.What makes working with us greatThere are so many great things about working with EWOV, but here are just some of our benefits:truly flexible and hybrid ways of working with life-friendly hoursgenerous leave entitlements including six weeks annual leave, birthday leave, anniversary leave, end-of-year closure leave, community giving leave and 18 weeks of gender-free paid parental leavecentrally located office in Melbourne CBD, close to public transportinclusive team culture that supports each other, collaborates and innovateswe live and breathe wellbeing with a varied program with something for everyone.If you are passionate about finding a role where you can really make a difference and be part of a dynamic industry, we encourage you to apply even if you don''t meet every single criterion.Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the role requirements and responding to the employer questions listed at the bottom of this advertisement. Applications can be sent via the LinkedIn job post or emailed to [email protected] by Friday 30 January 2026.We will be reviewing applications and may commence interviews prior to the closing date, so please apply as soon as possible if you''d like to be considered.Diversity and inclusionWe are committed to ensuring that we truly represent the Victorian community that we serve, and encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation and gender identities to apply. If you have any accessibility needs or require us to adapt our application and recruitment process to suit your needs, please let us know by emailing us at [email protected] encourage flexible working at EWOV even if a role is advertised as full-time, we invite conversations around other working arrangements and encourage you to apply.EWOV is a certified Family Inclusive Workplace committed to improving your work-life wellbeing with leading policies and practices on flexible work, parental leave, family care and family wellbeing.Please answer the following questions in your application:Do you have permanent working rights in Australia?Do you hold a current practicing certificate in Victoria?How many years of post-admission experience do you have in an in-house legal counsel or general counsel role?How many years have you manage a team of legal professionals?What''s your expected annual base salary?How much notice are you required to give your current employer?#J-18808-Ljbffr