Executive Director Legal Services and General Counsel

• Outstanding strategic leadership role

• Advise at the highest level

• Key stakeholder relationships

The Organisation

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees including police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Their mission is to provide 24/7 emergency response ensuring the safety and security of over 6.5 million Victorians every day of the year. Their vision is for a community in which everyone is safe and feels safe, those affected by crime feel supported, those who break the law are held to account, police work with the community and partners to prevent crime, reduce harm and build a better, safer Victoria.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary Corporate Services and as a member of Victoria Police Command, you are responsible for leading and managing an executive team to develop and optimise Victoria Police’s legal services and technical capability. Two Directors report to the position, with the legal function comprising over 1000 staff.

You will provide independent, authoritative and strategic legal advice as General Counsel to the Chief Commissioner and keep abreast of key legal risks and principles impacting the organisation.

Building and maintaining effective relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders including government, the judiciary, the Office of Public Prosecutions, integrity bodies, community groups and interstate counterparts is essential. You will also contribute to legislative reform and policy change initiatives.

• SES-2 level: Total Remuneration Package range $310,386 to $447,266 including superannuation

• Five-year SES-2 contract position

• Located in Melbourne

About you

You demonstrate:

• Leadership, sound judgment, and composure under pressure in sensitive, high-risk, and complex environments.

• Strong legal expertise gained within policing, law enforcement, or government legal environments, coupled with the judgment to seek specialist advice when required

• Experience in strategic leadership and the provision of expert legal advice, empowering direct reports to lead effectively, navigate complex issues, and maintain a strong culture of professionalism and accountability.

• Ability to engage effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders, cultivating strong strategic relationships that enhance communication, drive collaboration, and deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Resilience, integrity, and adaptability, coupled with a strong commitment to continuous improvement, the mission and values of Victoria Police, and making a meaningful contribution to the safety of the Victorian community.

Requirements and relevant information

• The successful candidate must be prepared to undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a National Security Clearance to the level determined by the Department Head. To obtain this clearance applicants must be an Australian Citizen or obtain an approved citizenship waiver.

• The preferred candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, psychometric assessment, fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.

• The successful candidate will be employed pursuant to Victoria Police policies and procedures. All Executive Officer appointments are in accordance with the Public Administration Act 2004 and the Victorian Public Service Executive Employment Handbook. The successful candidate will be required to enter an Executive Officer Contract of Employment for a period of up to five years.

Your application must include:

• CV; and

• A cover letter, no more than two pages, outlining why you are the most suitable candidate for this role.

Applications close midnight, Sunday 6 September 2026

All applications must be submitted via email to ••••@mahlab.com.au 

For further information on the position, please contact Katherine Sampson, Managing Director, Mahlab Recruitment (Vic):

E ••••@mahlab.com.au  T 04•• ••• 992

For a copy of the position description, please email ••••@mahlab.com.au

Ref: MCKS21911

Having a workforce that reflects the community they serve is important to Victoria Police.  Victoria Police are committed to attracting and retaining people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

If you have a disability/medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact Executive Employment at ••••@police.vic.gov.au  or (03) •••• •059.

Mahlab is the pre-eminent executive search firm for legal professionals.  We work with some of the most respected law firms and corporations in Australia and internationally as well as government at all levels, to find the right lawyers, associates, partners, managing partners, general and specialist corporate counsel and company secretaries.

For industry and salary advice, or to register your details for consideration, please visit our website www.mahlab.com.au or contact us in Melbourne (03) •••• •111 and Sydney (02) •••• •199.