Chief Executive

Working together for a better Southland

Southland District Council is looking for a unique Chief Executive Officer who can lead their team of dedicated staff with vision and a passion to do the absolute best for the region’s ratepayers and communities. The current CEO has given a decade of service and is now headed north to help rebuild Christchurch. This has opened up a rare opportunity to lead New Zealand’s largest land area territorial authority which covers 11% of arguably the most unique and beautiful parts of the country. Being this big with such a small population base comes with its challenges.

This is a unique role and as such requires a leader of people who can engage not only with committed, professional staff and Council but with the wider communities, and who can lobby the country’s leaders to ensure the very best for ratepayers. To be successful in this role you will be able to see the bigger picture, understand and embrace the challenges ratepayers face and be aligned with a Council which takes great pride in doing its absolute best in working together for a better Southland.

Southland District Council is renowned for sector leadership at both political and management level with a deserved reputation for excellent customer service, asset management and prudent administration. It has a well-established system of consultation and involvement with its diverse communities which range from the thriving tourist centre of Te Anau to traditional rural towns like Waikaia and the majestic Stewart Island/Rakiura national park. Southland District Council is passionate about its communities and they drive everything they do. The Council is responsible for looking after 8 Community Boards, 19 Community Development Area Committees, 11 urban and 11 rural water supplies, 18 sewerage schemes, 7 transfer stations, nearly 5,000 kilometres of road and all the assets and infrastructure that goes with that.

If you are a proven leader of people, with significant experience in the local government sector or a relevant private organisation, then this could be the role for you.

Please visit www.sheffield.co.nz to download a position description and apply online. To apply by email, please attach your cover letter and CV and send to cvchc@sheffield.co.nz quoting reference number 47912. Closing date: Sunday, 11 May 2014. Emails will be electronically acknowledged and further correspondence may be by email.

Consultant: Mike Stenhouse on (03) 353 4352 (DDI).