Manager Governance

Located 20km west of Sydney on Dharug country, with a population of over 245,000 residents, Cumberland City Council is the fourth most populous Local Government Area in Greater Sydney. Cumberland boasts one of the most diverse communities in Australia, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living alongside one another.

Our people are focused on driving community outcomes, programs and services to innovate, inspire and deliver change for the community we represent and has worked hard to fulfil its community’s vision for Cumberland as a place where anyone can feel welcome, belong and succeed.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Governance team sits within the Governance and Risk Directorate and is focused on strengthening governance capability across the organisation through education, training, and collaboration, partnering with business units to promote consistent, high-quality governance practices and outcomes.

The team is responsible for delivering Access to Information (GIPA) services, coordinating citizenship ceremonies, managing policies and delegations, and providing administrative and governance support to Council and its committees. The team also delivers expert advice, drives ethical decision-making, and promotes a strong governance culture built on integrity, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.

In contributing to the overarching vision, the Manager Governance leads the strategic direction and coordination of Council’s corporate and civic governance functions, including the implementation and oversight of fraud and corruption prevention frameworks. This role also ensures Access to Information requests are managed in full compliance with legislative requirements, while championing ongoing governance training and continuous improvement governance initiatives across Council.

The successful applicant will require:

• Degree in Business Administration/Local Government or similar relevant area, and/or extensive experience in a similar role.
• Experience in local government administration, including coordinating Council and Committee meetings, with sound knowledge of meeting procedures, and the ability to prepare high-quality business papers and accurate minutes to a high standard.
• Demonstrated experience and expert knowledge in the administration and interpretation of the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, providing sound governance advice and ensuring Council is compliant with statutory requirements under the Local Government Act.
• Demonstrated experience in leading governance-related projects and achieving strategic outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders, supported by high-level interpersonal, written, and communication skills.
• Proven experience in leading teams and fostering a high-performance culture, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and oversee budgeting, reporting, and performance outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality, ethics and integrity in all governance related matters, along with the proven ability to operate in a complex political environment.
• Knowledge of legislation that relates to the management and provision of information in local government and oversight of the Access to Information request management of Council.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate Councilor briefings, workshops and Citizenship ceremonies as required.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high quality reports, policies, and procedures with strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
• Working with Children Check.

Download the position description here for more information. 

About this role: 

• Permanent, full-time position
• 70 hour fortnight
• Located at Council's Merrylands office, with occasional travel required across Council worksites, and may be required to work across any of Council’s work locations

Salary information: The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with the NSW Local Government (State) Award.

• Grade 17 of the Cumberland Salary Structure with a salary range of $3,376.53 to $3,883.01 per week, plus 12% superannuation
• The commencing salary will be negotiated, taking into consideration the successful applicant's qualifications, skills and experience related to the role
• A leaseback vehicle
• Mobile phone

What you'll need to have for this role:

• The right to live and work in Australia
• Be able to provide information for pre-employment checks required for the position, including attending a physical pre-employment medical examination as required
• Participate in health monitoring as outlined in the risk assessment for this position and Council’s Health Monitoring Procedure, as required.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

• We promote work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements including working from home opportunities or up to an additional five (5) days' leave for front-facing roles that are unable to access working from home arrangements
• Training and professional development opportunities available to develop skills and grow your career
• Leave entitlements including annual leave, 15 days personal leave per year, parental leave and access to Long Service Leave after five (5) years (where applicable)
• Three (3) additional grant days of paid leave over Christmas (where applicable)
• Corporate Health Insurance discounts
• Health and Wellbeing Programs to support our staff by providing access to online professional learning, paid leave to undertake annual skin checks, COVID-19 vaccinations and to donate blood
• Subsidies to assist with the cost of wellness and fitness activities
• Free access to Council owned and managed Aquatic Centres
• Access to Council's Fitness Passport Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ABOUT US

Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, and fully supports the aims and objectives of NSW Child Protection Legislation, and associated provisions. Council will implement all necessary measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment, which endeavours to promote child protection practices. It is essential for applicants to submit their WWCC number with their application, if required, and it is an offence under NSW legislation for barred workers to apply for or otherwise attempt to obtain, undertake or remain in child-related employment.

Cumberland City Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflective of the community it represents. Council welcomes and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, and is committed to providing an accessible and safe workplace for our staff through making reasonable adjustments. If you have any accessibility or support requirements throughout the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager during the application process. 

ENQUIRIES 

Contact Charlie Ayoub, Director Governance and Risk on 8757 9150 or human.resources@cumberland.nsw.gov.au for further information.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Friday, 22 May 2026.

  HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application for this position, please complete the questionnaire.  You'll be asked to attach your resume and any relevant qualifications (if required) to complete your application. Make sure you have these attachments ready before you apply as your application cannot be submitted until completed.