- Senior leadership role influencing executive and Council decisions
- Shape governance, risk and safety across a progressive council
City of Charles Sturt is one of South Australia’s largest metropolitan councils, serving a diverse and growing community across Adelaide’s western suburbs. They play an important role in shaping the livability, sustainability and long term outcomes for their region through strong governance, leadership and community focused services.
Council is committed to continuous improvement and is evolving how it operates to support future growth, strengthen capability and deliver consistent, high quality outcomes for the community.
Role Overview
Reporting to the General Manager Corporate Services, this is a critical leadership role responsible for leading Council’s Governance and Risk portfolio and providing strategic direction across governance, enterprise risk and safety.
The Manager Governance and Risk is a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members, contributing to organisational decision making, legislative compliance and the frameworks that underpin Council’s integrity and reputation.
The role will lead a broad portfolio and play a key role in strengthening governance practices, uplifting risk maturity and embedding a proactive safety culture across the organisation.
With upcoming local government elections, this position will be central in supporting Elected Members through a high profile and important period for Council, ensuring effective governance processes, onboarding and continuity.
This role is central to Council’s leadership, performance and reputation, and will play a key role in shaping future direction.
About the Person
City of Charles Sturt are seeking a confident and capable leader with strong judgement, presence and the ability to build trust and influence across senior stakeholders, including the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members.
You are a natural relationship builder who is comfortable operating across all levels of an organisation. You bring the ability to engage, influence and work effectively with diverse stakeholders, making people feel heard, valued and aligned while driving outcomes.
You are an authentic people leader who builds capability, fosters engagement and creates a positive team environment, while also maintaining accountability and performance.
You bring a strategic and commercial mindset, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, navigate complexity and contribute to broader organisational outcomes beyond your functional remit.
Strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to operate effectively in a fast paced and politically aware environment will be critical to success.
Experience within local government will be well regarded but is not essential. Candidates from other complex, regulated or public facing environments are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Elected Members
- Lead governance, risk and safety functions across Council
- Oversee governance frameworks, compliance and legislative obligations
- Drive enterprise risk management and internal audit programs
- Embed a proactive and positive risk and safety culture
- Lead, develop and support a multi-disciplinary team
- Build and maintain strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience in governance, risk or compliance leadership roles
- Tertiary qualification in law, business, governance or a related discipline
- Proven ability to advise, influence and build credibility at senior levels
- Strong strategic thinking and problem solving capability
- Experience operating in complex or regulated environments
- Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience leading teams and supporting organisational change
The City of Charles Sturt’s organisational values are passionate, progressive, caring and courageous. Leaders are expected to model these values, foster a constructive culture and contribute positively to organisational performance and community outcomes.
For more information, please contact Joanne Murtagh or Elena Bacon 08 7092 1523
Please note applications close COB 6 th of May 2026
Please note – all applicant resumes must be submitted in Word format only.
