General Counsel & Company Secretary

Executive leadership role with a leading purpose-driven not-for-profit organisation.

• Partner directly with the CEO and Board
• Lead legal, governance, risk and compliance functions
• Sydney CBD location with flexible working arrangements

About the Organisation

Our client is a leading community housing provider that develops, owns and manages affordable and social housing, helping vulnerable people achieve stable and independent living.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel & Company Secretary is a key executive leadership role responsible for legal, governance, risk, compliance and company secretariat functions across the organisation and related entities. Leading a small team, you will serve as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Board and Executive Team on strategic, commercial and operational matters.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing legal advice across property, development, construction, procurement, funding and operations.
• Leading major transactions, negotiations, disputes and investigations
• Driving governance and company secretariat activities.
• Overseeing enterprise risk, compliance and assurance frameworks.
• Advising on regulatory, privacy and organisational risk matters.
• Leading and developing the legal, governance, risk and compliance team.
• Managing relationships with regulators, stakeholders and external advisers.

About You
You are a senior legal leader with experience advising Boards, CEOs and executive teams in complex or regulated environments. You will bring:

• 10-15+ years’ post-qualification experience.
• Law degree and unrestricted Australian practising certificate.
• Senior legal leadership experience in corporate, government, regulated or purpose-led organisations.
• Strong governance, company secretariat and commercial experience.
• Experience leading legal, risk and compliance functions.
• Sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience in property, housing, infrastructure, government-funded or not-for-profit sectors will be advantageous but is not essential.
What this role offers you

• Strategic executive role working closely with the CEO and Board.
• Broad remit across legal, governance, risk and compliance.
• Opportunity to influence organisational strategy.
• Leadership of an established team.
• Values-driven and collaborative culture.
• Flexible working arrangements in Sydney CBD.

How to apply: Please click on the “Apply” button to submit your application. Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and your current resume.

For further information on this position please contact John Egerton:

Ref: 1759321
P: 0403 505 602
E: john.egerton@mahlab.com.au

Applications close: 16 October 2026.

Mahlab is Australia’s leading independent legal search firm. We specialise in placing lawyers into corporations and private practice law firms throughout Australia and internationally.

For industry and salary advice, or to submit an enquiry, please visit our website www.mahlab.com.au or contact us in Sydney (02) 9241 1199 and Melbourne (03) 9629 2111.