CEO (Local Government)

Job No: 105432
Location: Burketown

  • Chief Executive role with a Local Government situated on the world-famous Gulf of Carpentaria!
  • Excellent remuneration package circa $200,000 inc. super, subsidised accommodation, vehicle + a host of generous benefits
  • Relocation assistance + travel costs provided

About Burke Shire 

The Burke Shire is located in North West Queensland - 400km north of Mount Isa, leaning against the Northern Territory border to the west and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the north.

This is a remote, rural Shire, spanning approximately 40 000km², with a permanent population of 328 people, many of whom identify themselves as First Australians, and two main townships, Burketown and Gregory. Burke Shire hosts some of Australia's most spectacular natural resources including Barramundi fishing, an abundance of feathered, scaled and furred fauna, Boodjamulla National Park and is adjacent to the World Heritage Site Riversleigh fossil fields.  Burketown is also the best place to view the rare meteorological phenomenon known as the Morning Glory, 1000km long tubular clouds that roll through the skies of the Burke Shire from August to October each year.

The Shire’s main hub, Burketown, like all remote towns has a reasonable range of community facilities along with a primary school, pub, restaurant, racetrack and air services to Cairns and Mount Isa. Burketown provides grocery supplies and residents can also have phone orders delivered by mail. Gregory has a pub, store, sporting facilities and each year hosts a great day of country horse racing followed the next day by a canoe race along the picturesque Gregory River.

Burke Shire offers a unique environment in the real Australian outback for the hardy and adventurous of spirit.

About the Opportunity

Burke Shire Council has an opportunity for a Chief Executive Officer based in Burketown on a 3 year performance-based contract. Ideally, you will be available to commence with Burke Shire Council early in the new year.

The CEO is responsible for providing strategic guidance to elected members and strong operational leadership to all Council departments to ensure the effective delivery of Council programs and projects. This position will also maintain and strengthen partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders to further Shire and Regional objectives.

Reporting directly to the Mayor and working with Councillors, the Executive Management Team and a range of expert consultants, you will deliver high quality leadership in, and promote organisational commitment to the following areas: 

  • Excellence in community engagement and stakeholder relations;
  • Workforce planning and development with emphasis on strengthening capacity of the local workforce;
  • Corporate and operational planning, policy development and review, and risk management;
  • Developing and monitoring departmental budgets, progressing successful audits;
  • Business case development, project planning and delivery, securing grant funding;
  • Major reform of customer service, records management and ICT services;
  • Delivery of Council's road maintenance and infrastructure programs; and
  • Development of local and regional partnerships.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious, driven and creative candidate who wants to enhance their career in one of Australia's remote Local Government regions. 

You will be rewarded with a highly attractive remuneration package of $200,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications). This includes an excellent range of benefits such as relocation assistance (negotiable), subsidised accommodation with utilities included, and a fully maintained motor vehicle.

About You

Council is seeking an individual who holds a tertiary qualification(s) in a relevant field (e.g. Business, Accounting, Engineering, Law).

The successful candidate will have experience either at CEO level, or at an Executive leadership level looking to step into a CEO role. This will ensure you bring expertise in a broad range of contemporary leadership skills, from development of people and culture to information systems, financial management and business case development. An existing understanding of corporate business environments, including the ability to read and interpret legal documents and operate in an environment governed by various legislation, is essential.

A strategic thinker, you will take calculated risks to achieve positive outcomes for Council projects and to secure Council's financial stability. It goes without saying, you will also need to be an excellent communicator with resilience, calmness under pressure, and integrity to enable you to successfully navigate a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Although not essential, the following will be highly regarded:

  • Sound knowledge of local government processes and quality management frameworks
  • Experience in local government
  • Experience living in remote areas

Most importantly, you will be passionate about delivering high level services in a challenging environment, finding excitement in the idea of living in a remote area. You'll have a genuine desire to embrace the local culture and immerse yourself in the community. 

The ability and willingness to fly in fixed and rotary wing light aircraft from time to time is a requirement for the role.

This is a unique opportunity to enhance your career in an executive role within a progressive council - Apply Now!

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