Located:WALGA HQ West Leederville / on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The Opportunity In this newly created Manager Compliance and Risk role, you will play a key part in shaping how WALGA approaches compliance, manages risk, and builds organisational resilience. With an initial focus on establishing and embedding statutory compliance capability, you will also build organisational maturity across enterprise risk, governance and business continuity. This role will suit someone who enjoys working in the detail while also stepping back to see the bigger picture. Someone who can build strong relationships, navigate complexity, and balance technical rigour with practical, people-centred solutions.

You’ll be supported by an engaged CEO and Executive team, along with subject matter experts across the organisation, giving you the platform to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

What do the first 6 months look like? In your first six months, you will establish WALGA’s core compliance and risk capability, embedding Freedom of Information (FOI) and Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) frameworks. You will begin to assume ownership of enterprise risk oversight and Business Continuity Planning Management. Months 1 -3, you will:

Establish and embed end-to-end FOI and PRIS frameworks, translating legislation into practical processes, tools and guidance.
Manage FOI applications end-to-end, delivering timely, defensible decisions through coordinated discovery and stakeholder engagement
Lead responses to privacy enquiries, complaints and incidents, ensuring compliant, risk-aware outcomes.
Begin building momentum across the organisation by guiding teams and embedding consistent compliance practices.

Months 4-6, you will:

Transition to BAU leadership of FOI and PRIS, lifting maturity, consistency and continuous improvement.
Take ownership of Business Continuity Management, progressing readiness and testing capability across WALGA.
Commence and strengthen enterprise risk oversight and reporting.

Let’s talk about you. You will bring:

Demonstrated experience in risk, compliance or governance, with the ability to embed organisation wide frameworks and processes.
Strong capability to interpret legislation and translate it into practical, usable guidance.
Proven experience advising senior leaders and influencing outcomes in complex or sensitive environments.
The ability to build strong, trusted relationships and work effectively across teams without direct authority.
Experience managing competing priorities and statutory timeframes, with strong attention to detail.

You’ll also stand out if you:

Have experience with FOI, privacy or information governance.
Bring exposure to enterprise risk management or business continuity frameworks
Have change management experience and can coach and mentor others

Why you’ll love working here At WALGA, we believe success happens at The Sweet Spot, the place where big picture purpose meets local community impact. The Sweet Spot is our employee promise. It reflects what you can expect when you work with us: meaningful work, genuine flexibility, and an environment built on curiosity, collaboration and shared purpose. Employees have the opportunity to work on unique and meaningful projects that deliver real benefits to Local Government and the communities they serve. We foster a culture of positive risk-taking, guided by one of our strategic pillars Explore, and underpinned by our value of Curiosity. At WALGA, you’ll enjoy six weeks of annual leave plus an extra day off on the anniversary of when you started, because your journey with us is worth celebrating. Our Thrive wellbeing program runs all year and is designed to support every aspect of wellbeing. Mental, physical, and social through education, resources, and practical initiatives. We’re committed to helping you grow, both personally and professionally, and we’re driving a tech roadmap that’s shaping a data-led future. And that’s just the start. You’ll also find an active social club run by employees, flexible working options, end-of-trip facilities, and a centrally located modern office designed for collaboration. We’re also proud to be recently accredited as a Menopause Friendly Australia employer, because creating an inclusive workplace matters to us. Apply now If this sounds like the role you have been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Please include a two-page maximum cover letter outlining what sets you apart and why this role represents a meaningful step for both you and WALGA.
To view the position description please visit our careers page
If you have questions that can’t be found in this ad or the position description, please contact Rick Murray, CFO on 08 •••• •005.
Applications will close 4:00pm, Tuesday, 2 June 2026. We may commence interviews upon receipt and reserve the right to close the position early.
Applications via email will not be accepted.

WALGA encourages people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you have any specific needs or require accommodations to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know. This could include, but is not limited to, accessibility requirements, assistive technologies, or any other considerations. This role is being sourced directly by WALGA. We respectfully request no agencies approach.

WA Local Government Association

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Manager Compliance and Risk