Senior Legal Counsel - Governance

About us

Established in 1840, we are Australia’s first wellbeing company, delivering health, wealth and care services for our members and the community.

As a social enterprise, we’re motivated by our purpose to positively impact the wellbeing of millions. We reinvest profits to deliver products and services sustainably that matter most to our members, customers and the Australian community.

For us, Real Wellbeing encompasses the whole experience of life. It’s about feeling supported in your health, connected with your community and empowered to live life on your terms.

Your New Role Looks Like This:

Join Australian Unity as a Senior Legal Counsel, Governance and play a key role in providing strategic legal and governance advice within one of Australia’s most trusted mutual organisations. In this senior legal role, you will provide expert, commercially-minded legal, governance, and risk management advice that aligns with our strategic objectives. You’ll work closely with our Group Enabling Functions including Finance & Strategy, Technology, People & Culture, and the Group Managing Director and Company Secretary offices to drive meaningful impact across the organisation.

At Australian Unity, we’re committed to real wellbeing both for our customers and our people. You’ll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven team that values innovation, professional growth, and a culture of integrity. If you’re looking for a role where you can influence decision-making, contribute to high-profile projects, and lead best practice in governance, this is your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Act as a trusted legal advisor to senior leadership, providing commercially focused legal advice on a broad range of matters affecting Group Enabling Functions.
• Offer strategic guidance on compliance and risk management, helping to develop a mature understanding of regulatory and legislative requirements.
• Lead and support key capital markets transactions, including structuring and issuing of securities.
• Autonomously manage contract negotiations, including major technology, professional services, and procurement agreements.
• Foster innovation in legal service delivery, leveraging technology and streamlining contractual processes.
• Manage the legal aspects of acquisitions, divestments, and strategic transactions, providing due diligence and transactional support.
• Drive the embedding of Community Social Value outcomes in investment decisions and product design.
• Champion Australian Unity’s culture and values, demonstrating leadership and resilience in a dynamic business environment.

Please note that this is a 12-month fixed term contract opportunity. 

About You:

• Tertiary qualifications in law with 7 - 10 years PQE
• A sound understanding of legislative and compliance requirements and their application and effect upon business operations
• Experienced working in a high-performing in-house legal role with a strong understanding of good governance principles
• High standard of professionalism, ethics, honesty, confidentiality and discretion
• Excellent communicator and motivator
• Excellent project management, writing and presentation skills
• Initiative, enthusiasm, teamwork and an ability to adapt

What’s on Offer:

You will enjoy a range of great employee benefits and rewards including:

• Competitive salary
• Enjoy additional yearly Wellbeing and Community leave days
• Employee Assistance Program – support and assistance for you and your partner at those times in life when you need it most
• Maxxia Rewards - a great range of discounts and benefits at selected retail outlets, department stores, attractions, travel, cinemas, restaurants.
• Discounts across the Australian Unity suite of products and services including Private Health Insurance, General Insurance + more!
• Available access to LinkedIn Learning courses through our great Learning platform

For further benefits visit: https://www.australianunity.com.au/careers/culture

Australian Unity is an Equal Opportunity employer and we encourage applications from all members of the community, including people of Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander descent, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and, mature aged people.