- Shape the future of the ‘Bushland Shire’
- Drive strategic leadership, financial sustainability and growth
- Join a thriving values-led culture
Hornsby Shire Council is seeking an exceptional executive leader to guide one of Sydney’s largest and most distinctive metropolitan councils. This is an opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation serving a community of around 152,000 residents across 460 square kilometres.
Known as the ‘Bushland Shire’, the area is renowned for its unique balance of city convenience, pristine bushland and waterways. As the area continues to grow, Council is focused on shaping a resilient future through sustainable housing, strong infrastructure, high-quality services and sound stewardship of the environment.
Reporting to the elected Council, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring delivery of Council’s corporate objectives, financial sustainability and long-term community outcomes. The role requires a leader who can build trust, inspire performance, and work effectively with the Mayor, Councillors, employees, community partners and other stakeholders.
Key accountabilities
· Lead the development and delivery of Council’s strategic and operational plans within approved timelines and resources.
· Oversee Council’s financial performance, budget setting and fiscal responsibility, ensuring expenditure aligns with statutory and Council determinations.
· Build and sustain a high-performing, engaged and values-led culture grounded in Serve, Trust, Respect and Innovate.
· Provide clear, timely and trusted advice to Councillors on progress and to support decision-making and Council direction
· Develop strong relationships with community groups, statutory authorities, industry bodies and external stakeholders to advance Hornsby Shire’s interests.
· Ensure Council meets all governance, compliance, reporting and statutory obligations, including Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements.
· Lead succession planning, capability development and workforce alignment to support the organisation’s long-term future.
· Drive a positive safety culture and ensure effective management of organisational risk, including legal, reputational, financial and safety risks.
About you
Your successful and significant leadership experience alongside of your deep understanding of the local government sector and sharp strategic focus means you have the courage to make difficult, evidence-based decisions and deliver high level outcomes with your teams in a dynamic political and regulatory landscape.
You are a clear communicator, adept at influencing diverse stakeholder groups and building a coalition of support for Council’s long-term objectives, and have the confidence to lead through complexity, change and competing priorities.
You will also demonstrate:
· Strong knowledge of finance concepts, strategies and management of complex budgets.
· Proven ability to lead senior teams and foster a high-performance culture.
· A strong understanding of local government legislation, statutory obligations and industrial frameworks.
· Demonstrated success in delivering business results and implementing organisational change.
· The ability to work constructively with elected representatives.
Why join Hornsby Shire Council
This is a chance to lead a purpose-driven organisation with around 500 permanent employees and a strong commitment to community, environment and service excellence. Hornsby Shire Council offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a growing and strategically important part of Sydney, while shaping a culture built on ethical leadership, innovation and accountability.
To Apply
Click ‘Apply Now’ to be re-directed to our website, please read the Candidate Information Pack. Once you have read these documents, please contact Christine Georgiadis – chris@lgsg.au – to arrange a time for a confidential discussion about the role.
Applications close: 9am, Monday 15 June 2026
