Our client is the largest of Melbourne’s three water corporations, operating from Melbourne's eastern region. Serving an area of 4,000 square kilometers, our client manages an extensive network that includes over 20,000 kilometers of water and sewer mains. With assets valued at nearly $6 billion, they play a vital role in delivering reliable water services and infrastructure management across Melbourne.
About the role
The Company Secretary ensures effective governance at our client by acting as a principal advisor to the Board on corporate governance matters. The role includes maintaining compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, serving as the primary liaison between the Board, Committees, and Management, and providing strategic guidance on governance-related improvements. Some of the key responsibilities are:
Governance and Advisory
- Advise the Board on governance matters alongside General Counsel.
- Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and governance codes.
- Oversee and maintain our client's governance framework and documentation.
- Update the Instrument of Delegation and review Board policies.
- Develop expertise within the organization on governance and corporate secretarial activities.
- Organize and manage Board/Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, minute-taking, and action follow-up.
- Maintain the annual Board calendar and facilitate professional development for Board members.
- Review and provide feedback on Board materials for quality and compliance.
- Maintain statutory registers and records.
- Ensure compliance with governance and statutory reporting obligations.
- Act as a liaison between the Board, management, and external stakeholders.
- Foster strong relationships with Board Members, the Executive team, and regulatory bodies.
- Guide responses to Ministerial obligations and external stakeholder inquiries.
- Collaborate with the Board and management to identify, monitor, and address governance-related risks.
- Manage and document conflicts of interest.
- Advanced expertise in governance roles within public entities or similar sectors.
- Highly developed written, verbal communication, and influencing skills.
- Significant experience supporting Boards and senior leaders.
- Strong customer outcome focus in decision-making.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders.
- Experience working with a commercially oriented Board.
- Knowledge of the water industry (highly desirable).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proactive approach to anticipating the needs of the Board and working under pressure.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to collaborate seamlessly across organizational levels.
- Inspirational leadership that fosters high performance and a constructive culture.
- Expertise in governance frameworks to inform strategies and decisions.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
- Proactive mindset with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Chartered Secretary status and postgraduate qualifications in Corporate Governance are mandatory.
- Tertiary qualifications are also required.
