Senior Legal Counsel na Fremantle Port Authority

Fremantle Ports’ refreshed 2027 Strategic Plan marks an exciting new chapter for one of Australia’s most successful ports. Building on decades of expertise, we’re setting a bold vision for the future.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, love working in a fast-paced environment, and are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to something bigger, this could be the role for you.

Role Highlights

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will be responsible for running legal matters autonomously, assisting with managing the workflow of matters for the Legal team and assisting with the management of the organisation’s integrity function. 

In this diverse, hands-on role, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing accurate, timely and fit-for-purpose advice on legal issues and the potential legal implications of various business strategies, initiatives and projects. 
• Briefing and managing external legal service providers effectively, drafting and negotiating contracts and other legal and policy documents efficiently and in collaboration with other Fremantle Ports' team members.
• Dealing with leasing and land contract arrangements in an industrial port environment.
• Providing advice to the commercial and procurement teams within Fremantle Ports regarding industrial and construction contracts.
• Advising on maritime and port law including disputes, security, work health and safety and environmental issues.
• Assisting in compliance and governance teams in relation to legal interpretation issues and policy drafting guidance.
• Provide legal advice to internal stakeholders on contracts and contract negotiations and actively participate in negotiations where appropriate.
• Support and undertake (where appropriate) investigations into significant incidents and have oversight of the compliance of reporting to regulatory agencies in relation to such incidents.
• On occasion the role may be called upon to act in the position of Manager Legal and Governance.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Your ability to collaborate and partner with multiple internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes, and your excellent communication skills and strong commercial acumen and attention to detail. 

You’ll also bring:

• Tertiary qualification in Law.
• Legal practising certificate with at least 10 years’ PQE and in-house experience
• Extensive knowledge of legislative and statutory compliance environments
• Experience in any of the following would be an advantage: ports and maritime environments, construction, property, disputes and projects
• Front end commercial advisory and drafting experience
• An understanding of requirements applying to Government Trading Enterprises within a State Government context
• High level attention to detail and good communication skills
• An understanding of contract arrangements in an industrial setting
• Experience in dealing with a varied portfolio of work
• A mindset of continuous improvement, consistently seeking ways to enhance systems, processes, and outcomes while embodying our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (CARE).

What We Offer

Join Fremantle Ports and be part of a proud organisation with a rich history and culture that makes a significant contribution to the WA economy. Primarily based in Fremantle, you’ll enjoy a unique workplace with stunning ocean views, rich heritage and striking architecture in the heart of the Victoria Quay precinct, which is currently undergoing exciting revitalisation. You’ll also enjoy variety through occasional travel to our Kwinana facilities. 

Benefit from free onsite parking and access to a gymnasium, flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance, generous annual leave, access to salary packaging, professional development opportunities, and a comprehensive health and wellness program. 

Get to Know Us

Fremantle Ports is a Government Trading Enterprise with proven commercial success and a highly regarded reputation with its partners, the community, and other stakeholders. The Port of Fremantle is a vital transport hub, supporting Western Australia's economic growth by facilitating more than $45 billion of trade in FY2023-24. Fremantle Ports acts as both a landlord, and the operator of its own import and export facilities in Kwinana.

Next Steps 

If you're looking for a meaningful role in an organisation with purpose, impact, and a strong values-based culture, we want to hear from you.

Let’s shape the future of the port together.

Further information is detailed in the employee job description. For specific queries, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected] -applications sent from recruitment agencies and direct to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 28 October 2025 at 5:00pm AWST.

Fremantle Ports is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, underpinned by our Values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to attract, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce by providing supportive pathways and development opportunities. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged.