Contract Advisor - Port Hedland Based

About the Town of Port Hedland…

The Town of Port Hedland is a progressive regional local government supporting a diverse and growing community in Western Australia. Guided by strong organisational values of Quality, Unity and Integrity, the Town is focused on delivering high-quality services, fostering public trust and creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

With a strong focus on accountability, compliance and continuous improvement, Port Hedland fosters a collaborative workplace culture where leadership and professionalism are central to achieving positive outcomes for the community.

About the role…

Reporting to the Director Corporate Services, the Manager Governance is responsible for leading the Town's governance functions and ensuring compliance with legislative, statutory, policy and performance obligations.

This senior leadership role oversees corporate governance, risk and insurance, procurement and contract management, elections, integrated planning and reporting, Council meeting processes and public interest disclosures. You will provide high-level advice to Elected Members, Council and the Executive Leadership Team, while leading a multidisciplinary team and embedding a culture of transparency, accountability and compliance across the organisation.

What you will do…

• Governance Leadership: Lead the Governance Business Unit, ensuring functions are delivered professionally, efficiently and in line with legislative requirements.
• Council & Elected Member Support: Provide expert advice on policy, governance and legislative interpretation, and oversee compliant Council and Committee processes.
• Risk, Audit & Compliance: Oversee strategic risk management frameworks, audit processes, insurance programs and statutory reporting obligations.
• Procurement & Contracts: Manage procurement, contract management and associated audits to minimise risk and ensure compliance.
• Integrated Planning & Reporting: Coordinate Council's integrated planning and reporting framework, including community engagement requirements.
• Elections & Deliberative Processes: Manage Local Government election processes and ensure Council meetings, agendas and minutes meet statutory standards.
• Leadership & Culture: Lead, support and develop staff through planning, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key liaison with Elected Members, regulators, auditors and external legal practitioners.

To be successful in the role you will have…

• A relevant tertiary qualification, or lesser qualifications with substantial experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams in a governance, legal or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of local government legislation, governance, administrative and contract law.
• Experience establishing and improving governance, compliance and reporting frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and briefings for Council, CEO and senior leaders.
• Experience with legislative procurement processes and probity requirements.
• A strong understanding of ethics, transparency and accountability in local government.
• Experience in risk management systems and processes (desirable).
• Knowledge of Western Australian local government legislation (desirable).
• Current 'C' class driver's licence and National Police Clearance.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced governance professional to step into a highly influential leadership role, shaping decision-making, compliance and organisational performance within a complex and community-focused local government environment.

More information…

Please visit mcarthur.com.au or call 8100 7000 and quote reference number J8812.