Chief Executive Officer

Chandler Macleod; Bunbury; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shire of Harvey invites applications for a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic direction, governance, and operational delivery for a growing Western Australian region. Reporting to Council, you will drive the Council Plan 2025–2035, manage major infrastructure, and build a high-performing, customer-focused organisation.

You will engage with Councillors, agencies and the community to deliver sustainable outcomes, ensure financial resilience, and uphold exemplary governance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chief Executive Officer within local government or public sector.
• Strong governance and political acumen with experience working with Boards and Councils.
• Experience leading major infrastructure, planning, development or growth initiatives.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.
• Strong commercial and financial leadership skills.
• A genuine commitment to community outcomes and public value.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Council Plan 2025–2035.
• Drive major infrastructure, planning and development initiatives.
• Build a high-performing, customer-focused organisational culture.
• Ensure robust governance, accountability and compliance.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with Councillors, community members, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve long-term financial sustainability and organisational performance.

Skills

CEO leadership

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Financial leadership

Education

CEO experience in local government

Job description

Negotiable, aligned with Local Government Band 2

Lead the Future of the Harvey Region

Situated between Perth and Bunbury, the Shire of Harvey is home to more than 32,000 residents and combines a thriving economy with an enviable Southwest lifestyle. With strong population growth, diverse industries and communities, significant development opportunities and a highly engaged community, the Shire offers a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader to shape the future of a region defined by growth, opportunity and quality of life.

The Shire of Harvey offers more than a leadership role. It provides the opportunity to lead within an organisation that values integrity, collaboration and continuous improvement. Supported by a strong organisational culture, professional development opportunities, employee wellbeing initiatives and a commitment to work-life balance, the Shire is focused on attracting and retaining high-performing leaders who are passionate about delivering lasting outcomes for their communities.

Joining the Shire of Harvey is more than a career opportunity. It is an opportunity to become part of a vibrant and welcoming community that values connection, contribution and shared success. The region's strong community spirit, rich natural environment and commitment to growth create a rewarding setting for leaders who are motivated by purpose, enjoy building relationships and are passionate about creating positive outcomes for the people and places they serve. The ideal candidate will embrace the opportunity to become an active and visible member of the community, sharing a genuine passion for the region, its people and its future, and fostering strong connections that help shape lasting outcomes.

Link https://harveyregion.com.au/

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to Council, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership, organisational stewardship and operational management of the Shire. The CEO will lead the implementation of Council's vision and priorities while ensuring the delivery of sustainable community outcomes, major infrastructure projects, responsible financial management and exemplary governance practices.

• Leading the delivery of Council's Council Plan 2025 – 2035
• Driving major infrastructure, planning and development initiatives that support growth and economic prosperity.
• Building a high-performing and customer-focused organisational culture.
• Ensuring robust governance, accountability and legislative compliance.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with Councillors, community members, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Maintain and improve the Shire's long-term financial sustainability and organisational performance.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated ability to lead complex organisations and deliver strategic outcomes.

• Proven experience as a Chief Executive Officer within local government, the public sector or another complex service-based organisation.
• Strong governance and political acumen, with experience working effectively with Boards, Councils and governing bodies.
• Experience leading major infrastructure, planning, development or growth initiatives.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability.
• Strong commercial and financial leadership skills.
• A genuine commitment to community outcomes, organisational culture and public value.

Why Harvey?

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the fastest growing regional local governments in Western Australia at a time of significant opportunity and transformation. With an engaged Council, ambitious strategic agenda, major infrastructure opportunities and an exceptional quality of life, the Shire of Harvey offers a rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine and lasting impact.

Set between the coast and countryside, the Shire offers an enviable lifestyle supported by excellent community infrastructure, including 16 schools, four libraries, recreation and aquatic centres, comprehensive health services, diverse housing options and convenient retail amenities. Residents enjoy 42 kilometres of coastline, extensive parks and open spaces, a vibrant calendar of community events, a wide range of sporting and community clubs, and an outstanding selection of cafés, restaurants and local produce, making Harvey an ideal place to live, work and raise a family.

Salary Package

A negotiable remuneration package, aligned with Local Government Band 2 requirements, will be offered to the successful candidate.