Manager Governance and Risk
- Lead and shape a critical corporate function, working directly with the General Manager and Executive Leadership Team.
- Drive best-practice governance, legislative compliance and organisational risk management across Council.
- $139,807 -$154,702 per annum plus superannuation.
About Us
Surrounded by natural landscapes, vibrant local culture and country charm, it offers the perfect place to build your career and enjoy a balanced, high-quality lifestyle.
At Council, our values guide the way we work. We commit ourselves to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, encouraging growth and career progression We foster a culture of trust, where employees feel safe to bring their ideas forward, confident to take on new responsibilities, and inspired to build a long-term future with us.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Manager Governance and Risk is a key leadership position responsible for strengthening Council's governance, risk management, compliance, corporate planning and workplace health and safety functions.
Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will provide strategic advice to the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team and Councillors while ensuring Council maintains strong governance frameworks, legislative compliance and effective organisational risk management. This is more than a role focused on maintaining systems and frameworks. You'll have the opportunity to shape and strengthen Council's approach to governance and risk, influence organisational practice and drive continuous improvement across the organisation.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading Council's Governance and Risk team to deliver high-quality governance, compliance and advisory services.
- Managing Council's governance functions, including Council meetings, statutory registers, delegations, authorisations and elections.
- Overseeing the development, implementation and review of Council's Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R} framework and corporate planning processes.
- Leading Council's enterprise risk management framework, business continuity planning and organisational resilience initiatives.
- Coordinating internal audit programs and supporting the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC).
- Providing strategic advice to the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team and Councillors on governance, compliance, risk and legislative obligations.
- Overseeing workplace investigations, Code of Conduct matters and Public Interest Disclosure processes with procedural fairness and confidentiality.
- Driving Council's workplace health and safety strategy, governance systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
For further information, please refer to the Position Description.
About You
You're an experienced and pragmatic leader who brings sound judgement, integrity and confidence to complex and sensitive matters. You're comfortable providing well-considered advice, navigating competing priorities and building trusted relationships with elected representatives, executives, employees and other stakeholders. You'll bring broad experience across governance, risk and/or compliance and understand how strong governance, corporate planning, legislative compliance and risk management contribute to effective organisational performance. Importantly, you'll be someone who can look beyond maintaining existing frameworks and identify opportunities to strengthen systems, build organisational capability and improve the way Council operates.
You will also possess:
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Governance, Risk Management, Public Policy, Law or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in governance, risk, compliance or related leadership roles.
- Experience working with elected members, executives and stakeholders to resolve complex and sensitive issues.
- Strong strategic thinking, policy development, organisational change and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience in Local Government, postgraduate qualifications or an unrestricted Australian Practicing Certificate are not essential, but will be highly regarded.
Further enquiries relating to this position should be directed to Eloise Chaplain, General Manager on (02) 6799 6866.
Why Work for Narrabri Shire Council
This is an opportunity to join Narrabri Shire Council at an exciting time of organisational development and regional growth.
With Council continuing to strengthen its Governance and risk function, this role provides an opportunity to influence its future direction, build capability and establish contemporary approaches to governance, risk management and organisational resilience.
How to Apply
1. Click the 'Application Form Tab'
2. Complete all information as required
3. Attach your Resume, Cover Letter and Drivers Licence
4. Once completed click 'Submit'
Please note that all correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be forwarded via email.
Closing date for applications is at 5:00pm on Monday, 14 September 2026.
Narrabri Shire Council reserves the right to close or withdraw vacancies before the advertised closing date or extend without prior notice.
Narrabri Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We support difference and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and community and are committed to celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
