Chief Executive Officer

Council Jobs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Knox City Council is seeking a CEO to lead the organisation, implement Council decisions and deliver the Council Plan and Community Vision. You will chair the Executive Leadership Team and drive delivery of essential community services and infrastructure across the municipality.

You will bring substantial executive leadership experience in local government, strong financial and governance capabilities, and a collaborative, transparent leadership style that builds trust with Councillors, staff

Qualifications

• Substantial executive leadership experience in local government or public administration.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including asset stewardship, resource allocation and risk management.
• Demonstrated record of strategic leadership, organisational transformation and performance improvement.
• Political acumen and governance capability, with emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, and the ability to listen to Councillors, staff and the community.
• Relevant tertiary or postgraduate qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation and the Executive Leadership Team of six to deliver essential community services and infrastructure.
• Secure Knox's financial future and steer toward long-term sustainability under rate capping and rising costs.
• Turn strategy into measurable outcomes and build a high-performing, accountable organisation.
• Strengthen culture to be respectful, inclusive and accountable, drawing on the commitment of Knox's staff.
• Provide timely, frank and impartial advice to the Mayor and Councillors, respecting roles.
• Champion Knox by building partnerships with government, business and the community.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial acumen

Strategic leadership

Governance capability

Communication & influencing

Emotional intelligence

Education

Relevant tertiary or postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Knox is a large, diverse and growing municipality, positioned between metropolitan Melbourne and the Dandenong foothills. Its community has high expectations of its services, infrastructure and facilities, and Council is focused on delivering them sustainably. This is a role with real scale and real purpose, and a chance to make a practical difference to the lives of Knox residents.

The opportunity

As CEO, you will be accountable to Council for leading the organisation, implementing Council decisions and delivering the Council Plan and Community Vision. You will lead an Executive Leadership Team of six, the organisation behind them in the delivery of essential community services and infrastructure.

Council is looking for a CEO who will:

• Secure Knox's financial future. Steer Council towards long-term financial sustainability under rate capping and rising cost pressures, making disciplined, well-reasoned decisions about services, assets and major projects.
• Deliver results. Turn strategy into clear, measurable outcomes, and build an organisation that is high-performing, accountable and responsive to its community.
• Lead people and culture. Strengthen executive capability, set clear expectations, and model a respectful, inclusive and accountable culture that builds on the commitment and goodwill of Knox's people.
• Be a trusted advisor to Council. Give the Mayor and Councillors timely, frank and impartial advice, respecting the distinct roles of Council and administration and working fairly with every Councillor.
• Champion Knox. Build strong partnerships with government, business and the community, and advocate for Knox's interests.

About you

You are a leader of high integrity and sound judgement, with a track record of delivering results. You will bring:

• Substantial executive leadership experience in local government, or in public administration or a similarly complex service-delivery organisation. Experience in the Victorian local government environment is valued, though Council welcomes outstanding candidates from other jurisdictions and sectors.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including asset stewardship, resource allocation and risk management.
• A demonstrated record of strategic leadership, organisational transformation and performance improvement.
• Political acumen and governance capability, with the emotional intelligence and resilience to navigate sensitive issues, resolve conflict and hold honest conversations with clarity and respect.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, and a genuine ability to listen to Councillors, staff and the community.
• Relevant tertiary or postgraduate qualifications.

Above all, Council is seeking a CEO who will act with integrity, make informed decisions, and with the ability to move our organisational strategies into a reality for Knox.