Chief Executive Officer

McArthur; Clare; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council is seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead a high-performing regional organisation with a strong growth agenda. You will provide strategic leadership to governance, financial management, service delivery, asset management and major projects, reporting to the Mayor and Elected Members.

We seek an experienced, people-focused leader with exceptional communication, stakeholder management and a track record of delivering outcomes in local government or

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to deliver Council's vision.
• Lead major projects, programs and community initiatives.
• Partner with Mayor and Elected Members on strategy.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Lead and empower employees, building capability and culture.
• Provide timely, professional advice to support decisions.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship and asset management.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships across government and community.
• Manage change with clear, effective communication.
• Ensure governance and organisational performance.

Job description

Lead a high-performing regional Council in one of South Australia's most celebrated regions.

About Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council

The Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council is a diverse and thriving regional local government area encompassing vibrant communities, productive agricultural land, established industries and one of South Australia's premier tourism and wine destinations.

With strong organisational foundations, a committed workforce and a clear strategic direction, the Council is well positioned for the future. The incoming Chief Executive Officer will have the opportunity to build on this momentum, delivering key priorities while guiding the organisation through its next phase of growth, innovation and community impact.

About the role

Reporting directly to the Mayor and Elected Members, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership across all aspects of Council operations, including governance, financial management, service delivery, asset management, organisational culture and major projects.

Leading a capable and collaborative Executive Leadership Team, the CEO will ensure Council's strategic objectives are translated into practical outcomes that deliver value for the community.

This role requires a highly visible and engaging leader who can foster strong relationships across the organisation, Council, community and broader stakeholder groups, including volunteer and community groups. The successful candidate will bring a proven ability to lead people, drive performance and navigate complex issues while maintaining a clear focus on achieving results.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure delivery of Council's vision, priorities and objectives.
• Lead the successful implementation of major projects, programs and community initiatives.
• Partner closely with the Mayor and Elected Members to develop and implement Council's strategic direction.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and high performance.
• Lead, develop and empower employees, building organisational capability and supporting a positive workplace culture.
• Provide timely, accurate and professional advice to Council to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship and effective management of Council's assets, resources and infrastructure.
• Maintain productive relationships with government agencies, regional partners, businesses, community groups, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Effectively manage change and communicate with clarity across a broad range of audiences.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements while maintaining strong governance and organisational performance.

About you

• A proven record of executive leadership and organisational achievement.
• Strong experience translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes and successful project delivery.
• An empowering and collaborative leadership style that inspires confidence, engagement and accountability.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Well-developed political acumen and the ability to successfully navigate complex environments and competing priorities.
• Sound strategic, financial and commercial capability, supported by strong governance and risk management expertise.
• Experience leading organisational change and driving continuous improvement.
• A genuine commitment to community service and an appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and significant senior leadership experience within local government or a similarly complex organisation.

Lead in the Clare & Gilbert Valleys

The Clare & Gilbert Valleys region offers an outstanding lifestyle and a unique opportunity to combine executive leadership with exceptional quality of life.

Renowned for its world class wine industry, picturesque landscapes, historic townships and strong sense of community, the region also has a strong broadacre agriculture sector, its largest income-generating industry. The region provides an enviable environment in which to live, work and contribute. Located within easy reach of Adelaide, the area offers an attractive balance of professional challenge and lifestyle opportunity.

Further information

This is an opportunity to lead a financially sustainable and well-regarded regional Council at an exciting stage of its development. With a clear strategic direction, committed Elected Members, a capable team and significant projects underway, the incoming CEO will be well positioned to make a lasting contribution to the region. If you are an experienced, people-focused leader with a strong track record of delivery, we encourage you to apply.

Join the Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council and help shape the future of one of South Australia's most respected regional communities.

Confidential enquiries can be directed to Rebecca Hunt or Teresa Nilsson on (08) 000 .