· Lead critical legal and governance outcomes
· Melbourne based Executive Leadership Role
V/Line's purpose is to connect Victorians through safe, reliable, and accessible transport. We believe in giving all Victorians opportunities through travel and transport – connecting them to jobs, education, family and friends, services, tourism and trade.
V/Line is experiencing significant growth and we're delivering more services, more trains, cheaper fares, and huge projects. With more than 3700 weekly train and coach services, an expansive freight network and unprecedented rail investment, millions of Victorians depend on us to deliver. You could be one of our 3100 committed team members who are up to the challenge.
About the role
As General Counsel, you are a trusted strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), providing authoritative advice across regulatory, governance, corporate, statutory and integrity matters. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping decision-making and enabling strategic opportunities, while ensuring V/Line's legal and governance risks are identified, understood and effectively managed.
This is a high-impact leadership role, requiring confident navigation of complex stakeholder environments and a strong presence in matters of public interest, probity and integrity. You will develop and sustain senior relationships with regulators, government agencies and external legal counsel, and drive continuous improvement across legal processes, policies, integrity systems and governance frameworks—aligned to V/Line's obligations as a statutory authority.
In this role, you will:
* Act as secretariat to V/Line's Advisory Board and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC)
* Lead and mentor the Legal and Integrity teams, setting high standards and enabling effective delegation of authority where appropriate
* Be accountable for legal proceedings within relevant courts and provide authoritative advice on complex matters
* Liaise with oversight and integrity bodies (including IBAC and the Ombudsman) and manage responses and information provision
* Oversee the effective use and performance of external legal services, including panel management and matter strategy
* Prepare, review and update complex and sensitive documentation (including Commission papers, briefs, contracts, agreements, ministerial/executive correspondence and formal notices)
* Provide strategic advice on government objectives, regulatory environments, and best practice governance and compliance.
* Lead enterprise-wide legal education and capability uplift to strengthen compliance and risk awareness
* Anticipate legislative change impacts and advise the CEO/ELT on policy and operational implications
* Proactively manage legal risk exposure (including operational, reputational and public-facing risk) and guide best-practice litigation management.
About You
You are a seasoned, credible and values led legal leader with the judgement and executive presence to operate at the centre of a complex organisation. Bringing deep public sector expertise and a pragmatic approach to risk, you thrive in high risk, time critical and politically sensitive environments, translating complex legal and governance issues into clear, actionable advice for executives and senior stakeholders while balancing legal rigour with organisational realities.‐led legal leader with the judgement and executive presence to operate at the centre of a complex organisation. Bringing deep public sector expertise and a pragmatic approach to risk, you thrive in high
To be considered for entry into the selection process for this role, applicants must meet the following 'key selection criteria' which forms part of our merit-based recruitment process:
* A proven ability to provide authoritative legal, regulatory and governance advice on complex matters, including those with significant probity, integrity and reputational considerations
* Exceptional capability to communicate complex legal and risk issues with clarity, precision and influence to executives, senior public officials and external oversight bodies
* Deep expertise in statutory interpretation, administrative law, regulatory compliance and public sector governance frameworks
* Strong experience advising on commercial, contractual and procurement arrangements within a public sector or similarly regulated environment
* A sophisticated understanding of the Victorian Government operating environment, including accountability mechanisms, ministerial interfaces and integrity systems
* The ability to operate with a high degree of independence, discretion and confidentiality, managing matters of significant sensitivity and consequence
* Strong stakeholder engagement capability, with a track record of working constructively with regulators, integrity bodies, central agencies and external legal advisers
* Demonstrated experience leading and developing a legal function, including capability uplift and performance management
* Significant post‐admission legal experience in senior roles within government, statutory authorities, regulators and/or leading legal practices
* Admission as an Australian Lawyer, eligible to practise in Victoria, with a current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one) issued by the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner.
Why V/Line
· In addition to free myki travel, we offer:
· Community impact – Make a genuine difference. Work in a role that connects Victorians, every day.
· Huge potential – We're transforming, and you can too. Be a change maker, recognised for your contribution and creativity.
· Dynamic environment – V/Line operates in a constantly changing space. Join a fast-paced and exciting organisation.
· Collaborative team – You'll be part of a broader supportive team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate peers.
· Flexible working – We support flexible working. Work in a way that supports you to thrive in your role.
We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and accessible recruitment experience. If you need any adjustments or have specific accessibility requirements at any stage of the process, please contact our Talent team at TalentSupport@vline.com.au or 1800 800 007 for confidential support.
As an equal opportunity employer, V/Line is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace and network that reflects the communities we serve. We accept and value the contributions of all our employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We are also proud to be endorsed by Work 180 as a great place for women to work, second year in a row.
At V/Line, safety is our priority. Successful applicants will undergo relevant pre-employment and medical checks to meet our safe working standards. V/Line is also a proud Child Safe employer.
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