General Manager

General Manager | Gilgandra Shire Council | New South Wales
Lead a respected rural council into its next chapter.

• Lead a stable, respected and diverse Council.

• Turn ambition into lasting community benefit.

• Live and lead in a proud rural community.

Gilgandra Shire Council is seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead a diverse organisation, build on a strong foundation and help shape the long-term prosperity of the Shire.

This is only Council’s second General Manager recruitment in four decades. The appointment comes from a position of stability, with a constructive elected Council, a committed workforce and strong community relationships. Council is not seeking change for its own sake, nor passive continuation. It wants a calm, capable and approachable leader who will protect what works, address what needs improvement and convert ambition into affordable, accountable delivery.

The role is unusually broad. Alongside traditional local-government responsibilities, Council delivers aged-care, disability and community services and has made significant investments in community assets, land development and commercial enterprises. The incoming General Manager will also oversee an ambitious capital program, major infrastructure, ERP-enabled transformation and emerging opportunities associated with renewable energy and regional investment.

Gilgandra is distinguished by its extraordinary volunteer spirit and strong sense of community. The successful candidate will respect the Shire’s Aboriginal culture and community, its villages and rural population, and understand that public value extends beyond financial return.

Council is seeking an executive who can:

• Provide frank, well-considered advice and maintain a no-surprises relationship with elected members.

• Strengthen financial, project and organisational accountability.

• Build a cohesive executive team and lead through others.

• Advocate confidently with government, industry and regional partners.

• Secure lasting community benefit from major development and investment.

Substantial local-government leadership experience is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will live locally, contribute actively to the Alliance of Western Councils and make a genuine commitment to Gilgandra and its community.

A compelling executive remuneration package will be offered, including a fully maintained vehicle and housing assistance options.

How to Apply
Please download the candidate information package and view the Position Description and Selection Criteria before submitting your application.

Applications close 5:00 PM AEST Monday 14 September 2026.