Who are we?
We’re here to help people live well and create a better and more sustainable future. We support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to 1.77 million people who rely on us every day and every night. At South East Water, we innovate with purpose and act with care to deliver healthy water for life. Fresh thinking and collaboration are at the heart of our organisation. We are constantly learning, embracing the challenges of today and excited by the opportunities that tomorrow will bring.
The role
A key member of the Legal team, the Corporate Counsel ensures that South East Water performs its functions, powers and duties in accordance with the Water Act 1989 and other legal obligations to achieve operational and strategic objectives.
Reporting to the General Counsel, you will provide practical, business-focused advice on a range of complex legal matters. With a public law focus, the Corporate Counsel will be able to examine and distil complex legal issues into clear, pragmatic solutions-focused advice.
You will also provide support to the General Counsel in core compliance areas such as privacy and freedom of information.
While no two days look the same in this role, some day-to-day tasks may include:
- Provide specialist legal advice and services to South East Water, including on its powers, duties and functions under the Water Act 1989 (Vic)
- Manage the review of a range of corporate policies and procedures
- Provide advice on property matters including leases, licenses, easements and associated issues
- Oversee and resolve contractual issues with suppliers that challenge South East Water’s procurement terms
- Manage the preparation and completion of contracts for construction and other works
- Assist in responding to FOI requests and privacy complaints and in reviewing privacy impact assessments
Who are you?
The preferred candidate will hold Tertiary Qualifications in law and will be admitted to practice as an Australian Lawyer. You will have at least five years’ post-admission experience, with at least three years practicing at a major law firm, coupled with the following skills and attributes:
- Expertise in drafting and interpreting commercial agreements of all types, including leases and licences
- Experience in handling privacy and freedom of information and other areas of compliance
- Ability to provide legal advice concerning statutory interpretation, regulated businesses and property matters
- Experience in managing complex litigated claims, including providing direction to external legal providers
- Knowledge and understanding of obligations under the Water Act, with experience in the Water industry an advantage
- Expert problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
What's in it for you?
Working at South East Water means you can enjoy a wealth of benefits, starting with the chance to be part of an organisation deeply committed to environmental initiatives and sustainability; one who has been recognised as one of the top 101 Workplaces for Women in Australia by Work180 for the past two consecutive years.
South East Water cultivates a dynamic culture that emphasises collaboration and strong work ethics, supported by career-focused learning and development opportunities.
As a SEW employee, you can enjoy the following offerings from our benefits package:
- Access to My Fitness Passport, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu shots, and health checks.
- Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and leave purchasing.
- Life insurance and salary continuance.
- 15 weeks paid parental leave and paid superannuation on eligible portions of unpaid parental leave.
- Additional leave offerings, such as cultural and ceremonial leave and study leave.
- Head office with modern facilities and panoramic beachfront views, a separate parents' room, a prayer and meditation room, an onsite cafe, and free parking.
- Opportunity to be part of great initiatives involving the local community
We're for everyone
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers.
We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at careers@southeastwater.com.au.
Keen to make an impact?
Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Wednesday, 3 September 2025!
To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application. Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check
South East Water operates a 24/7 service environment. Whilst this role does not involve after-hours rostered duty, all employees may be required to provide out of hours support from time to time as required.
Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.