Below is a brief description of this vacancy

This page outlines the vacancy and the key skills and responsibilities for the role.


Chief Operating Officer

Greensborough, Australia

Reference: 6825221

Full Time / Senior Executive Officer / Maximum Term Contract

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer is a key executive leadership role responsible for delivering civil infrastructure and maintenance services across the Shire. This includes oversight of roads, drainage, transport, waste, and recreation assets, as well as leading a team of highly qualified engineers, project managers and operations professionals.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role is a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic and technical leadership to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality engineering and environmental design outcomes, effective project management, and strong alignment with community expectations.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and develop high-performing teams across the Operations Centre, Recreation and Leisure, Strategic Project Management and Capital Works portfolios.
  • Enhance the sequencing and delivery of Council's capital works program.
  • Deliver strategic technical advice to executive and political leadership.
  • Champion accountability and performance, aligning operations with organisational goals.
  • Balance fiscal responsibility with Council's environmental sustainability and community goals.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a dynamic, people-focused leader who thrives in complex, diverse environments and is passionate about driving performance and continuous improvement.

You will bring to this role:

  • A four-year Washington Accord accredited under-graduate Bachelor of Engineering degree or post-graduate Master of Engineering degree.
  • Registered practicing professional engineer status with an active Engineers Australia membership or commensurate industry body.
  • Previous experience in the local government sector, leading a multi-disciplined technical team.
  • Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Exceptional political acumen, effective influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to build and manage positive relationships with key stakeholders to achieve positive community outcomes.
  • Ability to collaborate across the Directorate and organisation to identify and implement change that will improve organisational productivity, efficiency and customer focus.
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with a collaborative approach.

Why join us?

This is an exciting time for us, with a new Council Plan and Financial Plan guiding our direction for the coming years.

If you are a local government leader who thrives in an environment which embraces autonomy, accountability and purpose, and are seeking the next exiting step in your career, this is the opportunity for you.

In return, you will take pride in leading the delivery of infrastructure to enhance where people live, work and play.

Be a part of a passionate, collaborative, and driven team who truly care about what we do, how we do it, and strive to make positive impacts within the community we serve.

Want to know more?

Download the Position Description. For any confidential enquiries, please contact Carl Cowie, Chief Executive Officer on 0488 462 029. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the Key Selection Criteria questions in your application.

Applications close 10pm (AEDT), Sunday 9 November 2025

Inclusive, Collaborative, Encouraging, Supportive, Diverse.

Applications Close: 09 Nov 2025

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  • About us

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We hire talented and dedicated individuals for a wide range of positions who support the community, councillors, volunteers and each other.

Nillumbik Shire Council has been awarded sixth place out of over 700 organisations in the 2023 Australian Financial Review / BOSS Magazine Best Places to Work Awards in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category. We are always looking for new talent to join our team and are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.

Further information about pay rates are outlined in our Enterprise Agreement:

·         Nillumbik Shire Council Enterprise Agreement

For information regarding casual employment opportunities at Nillumbik, please see ‘Other Opportunities’ or to find out more about the services provided at Nillumbik Shire Council, click here

Please note: 

  • Vacancies listed with ‘Internal applicants only’ are only open to employees currently working at Nillumbik to apply. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing (e.g. MS Teams)
  • Applicants requiring adjustments - With one in five Australians identifying as having a disability, Council is committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone, regardless of their ability. Position descriptions can be provided in an alternative format, by request. If an applicant needs any support or reasonable adjustments at any stage during the recruitment process, they can contact Human Resources via HRmail@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or on 9433 3111. Applicants being offered an interview with Council are encouraged to advise if any adjustments are required to support them during the interview process.
  • Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from people with disability, First Nations people and gender diverse people. Applicants will be considered based on merit as per relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. We are committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, diversity and inclusion.