The Company:
This is an established community and membership-based hospitality group with multiple venues in Sydney’s Inner West, offering dining, entertainment and events as core member services.
The Role:
A rare opportunity for an experienced lawyer to step into a true “trusted adviser” role, working directly with the Chief Executive Officer and alongside an engaged Board, in a fast-paced member-based organisation operating in the registered clubs, sports and hospitality sector.
You will oversee the legal, governance and compliance function end-to-end, with a practical remit that spans board advisory work, regulatory engagement, investigations, property matters, and disciplined decision-making frameworks.
Reporting to the CEO, you will:
Governance
* Maintain and uplift the governance framework in line with the Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW)
* Advise the Board and CEO on directors’ duties, decision-making, delegations and meeting processes
* Manage governance documentation: policies, delegations, board/committee charters, meeting procedures
* Lead director induction, training and performance review processes
* Maintain and update the Constitution and By-Laws
Legal and regulatory compliance
* Act as the organisation’s in-house lawyer (first point of contact for legal triage)
* Manage regulatory dealings and reporting with relevant agencies (including gaming, financial crime, fair trading and related regulators)
* Draft, negotiate and advise on contracts and disputes; instruct and manage external counsel (subject to CEO approval and budget)
* Monitor legislative change and provide pragmatic, operational advice to the executive team
Whistleblower and grievance management
* Own the whistleblower framework and compliance (including Corporations Act requirements)
* Lead investigations into whistleblower disclosures and grievances, ensuring procedural fairness and well-documented outcomes
Property oversight and due diligence
* Conduct legal and operational due diligence for acquisitions and leasing matters
* Review and negotiate property-related agreements and supporting documentation
Committees and decision integrity
* Represent the organisation on governance and disciplinary committees
* Support committee chairs with documentation, reporting, and legally sound decision pathways
* Ensure decisions align with legislation, the constitution, and principles of procedural fairness
HR support
* Provide ad hoc employment compliance support (including visa-related requirements where needed)
What We Are Looking For:
* Current NSW unrestricted practising certificate
* Strong governance capability and confidence advising Boards and senior executives
* Working knowledge of regulated environments (clubs/hospitality, AML/CTF, gaming/liquor, consumer/fair trading, privacy or adjacent regimes)
* Investigation experience (or demonstrable capability) in whistleblower/grievance matters
* Sound commercial instincts across contracts, disputes and property transactions
* Excellent drafting skills, judgement, and stakeholder management
* Willingness to work outside standard hours when Board/committee schedules require
Why This Role Stands Out:
* Direct access to the CEO and meaningful influence at the Board level
* Broad, interesting practice mix (governance + compliance + investigations + property)
* High-trust, high-autonomy role where good process and good judgement genuinely matter
* Work embedded in a community-facing, service-driven organisation with tangible local impact
* Great benefits including onsite parking, food, gym and other benefits.
How To Apply:
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, contact Jason Elias on 0411 151 *** or *****@eliasrecruitment.com. To apply, click the 'apply' button below.
Additional information
* Trusted adviser role working directly with the CEO & Board
* Broad mix of governance, compliance, investigations & property work
* Excellent benefits including onsite parking, food, gym & more