Join a purpose-driven, values-led advisory firm as a Board member. You’ll play a key role in shaping strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, and overseeing risk to support our long-term impact.

About SGS

At SGS, we are driven by a shared vision to create more sustainable, equitable and vibrant communities. We foster a dynamic, inclusive environment where diversity, creativity, and continuous learning are valued. Our team works on projects that make an impact, shaping the future of Australia’s cities and regions.

We are an urban and public policy advisory and certified B Corp, committed to high standards of accountability and transparency. We have a critical role as independent and trusted advisors to all levels of government and organisations driving positive change across the country.

Our robust, evidence-based insights help government, business and community leaders understand how places and communities function, assess what projects and programs work, and plan future places and precincts. Beyond advisory services, we hold workshops and courses to share knowledge collaboratively.

SGS has successfully operated since 1990. In 2011, SGS became a proprietary company with its purpose and values embedded in its constitution. SGS is a member-based organisation operating in the professional services sector, with all members (permanent team members) actively engaged in the business. Members can stand for, and vote in a shareholder-elected Director position, and share in the success of the company. SGS works in alignment with BCCM Cooperative and Mutual Enterprise Governance Principles, with shareholders of the business also working in the business as employees.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity for an experienced Non Executive Director (NED) to add value to SGS’s governance and strategic direction. Board members must be collaborative, engaged contributors with the ability to respectfully support robust discussions, constructively challenge ideas and provide effective governance.

We are seeking a NED for a 3-year term. SGS’s Board is comprised of two Non-Executive Directors, one of whom is Chair, along with at least three Partner-elected Directors and one shareholder-elected Director. The Board meets at least six times a year across its offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. The NED will be required to travel to most of these meetings, so will ideally reside in one of these locations. The incoming NED will also be required to join either the Finance and Risk Committee or the Human Resources and Nominations Committee, which typically meet online.

What you bring

We are seeking candidates with prior board experience and deep expertise in the consulting and professional services sector—ideally at CEO, COO or Chair level.

Key selection criteria (mandatory)

1. Experience within a strategic management role (ideally CEO or Chair) in the professional services sector
2. Prior experience as a Board Director
3. Demonstrated alignment with SGS values and purpose
4. Experience in financial strategy, marketing or legal compliance.

Candidates with the following attributes will be highly regarded

1. A strong understanding of for-purpose, co-operative or mutual sectors
2. Expertise and networks within an aligned sector (housing, employment, health, education, transport, ESG or data and digital transformation)
3. Experience in data-driven consulting, digital service delivery or product development, particularly for public-sector clients
4. Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.

What we offer

Annual salary of approximately $35,000 plus 12% superannuation, paid monthly, plus reasonable travel expenses.

How to apply

Please click "Apply Now" and submit a cover letter which includes your response to the key selection criteria and your resume to be considered for this role.

For further information on the role and about SGS, please contact Andrew McDougall, Executive Director, via [email protected] (after 7 July) using the subject line: Non-Executive Director - Melbourne / Sydney / Canberra enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage people with diverse backgrounds including people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.