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Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Colac Otway Shire Council

Fixed Term

Colac

Victoria
Close Date:July 5, 2025 17:00 AEST
REF:COTceo0625
  • An exceptional opportunity to lead a council committed to making a difference to the local community
  • Drive continuous improvement and organisational development
  • Colac Otway Shire is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria

 

The Position

Colac Otway Shire is seeking to appoint its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will bring inspirational and collaborative leadership ensuring council plans and delivery are aligned to current and future community aspirations and expectations.

The Council is now well positioned to move forward with a clear mandate of continuous improvement and excellence in customer service and value for rate payers.

Working constructively with the elected Councillors, the incoming CEO will need to provide clear vision, strategic direction and promote unity and joint problem-solving. Economic development is one of the key priorities, along with strategic and statutory planning and effective capital project delivery.

You will be an accomplished strategic executive leader with a track record of leading and improving service delivery in local government or related environments where financial sustainability, operational excellence and organisational development are requirements.

You will be highly motivated to genuinely engage and connect with a diverse range of regional and rural communities and local businesses, advocating strongly for their needs.

Leading a multidisciplinary workforce of over 240 committed staff with a budget of over $60m, you will be known for building a high-performance service culture, driving accountability and leading thoughtful change management and innovation.

The Organisation

Located in Victoria’s south-west, the Colac Otway Shire is diverse and beautiful, with volcanic lakes, craters and plains in the north; hinterland forests of the Otway Ranges running through the centre; and the Great Ocean Road coastline in the south. The lush rainforest and internationally recognised waterways and Great Ocean Road coastline all make Colac Otway Shire a place people want to live, work and visit. The region is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque municipalities in Victoria.

Colac is the key industrial, commercial and service centre for the shire and is situated on the southern shoreline of Lake Colac, on the Princes Highway, 138 km south-west of Melbourne. Apollo Bay is the other major urban centre in the shire.

The values of Colac Otway Shire Council underpin everything their everyday actions.

The focus is to be a high performing organisation providing exceptional service to the community through:

  • Being supportive, inclusive and respectful
  • Acting with integrity
  • Being flexible and progressive
  • Communicating effectively
  • Committing to safe work practices
  • Being accountable and proactive
  • Taking a positive approach to our work

For more information on the organisation visit: Colac Otway Shire

To apply – click ‘Apply now’, using reference COTceo0625, providing a cover letter addressing your motivation to lead Colac Otway Shire Council and key selection criteria as well as your resume to David Baber, of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.


Lead Consultants

David Baber

Partner, Executive Search View Profile
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