- Lead services that matter, directly influencing community wellbeing, safety and participation
- Ensure services are responsive, compliant and aligned with Council’s objectives
- Shape policy, service innovation and organisational direction
Horsham Rural City Council serves a dynamic regional city of approximately 20,000 residents and a broader catchment of more than 60,000 people across the Wimmera. As a proud agricultural and manufacturing centre with deep ties to the grain, pulse and wool industries, Horsham plays a vital role in Australia’s food security and regional economy. The municipality is now entering a significant period of economic transition, with renewable energy developments and critical mineral projects shaping its future. With a new Chief Executive Officer, Council is positioning itself to lead this change, ensuring growth is inclusive, well-planned and delivers long-term benefits for the community. With a strong focus on partnership, innovation and service excellence, Horsham Rural City Council offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a forward-looking organisation committed to supporting its community through growth and transformation.
Reporting to the Director Community Liveability, this senior leadership role is responsible for delivering high-quality community programs and services that enhance wellbeing, participation and safety across the municipality. The portfolio spans community strengthening incorporating youth and early years, Maternal and Child Health and immunisation, library services, customer service, and emergency management and disaster recovery. The role provides strategic direction, operational oversight and strong people leadership to ensure services are responsive, compliant and aligned with Council’s objectives. As appointed Municipal Recovery Manager, the position leads municipal relief and recovery operations, coordinating Emergency Relief Centres and working closely with emergency services and partner agencies to deliver community-centred recovery outcomes.
To be successful in this role, you are an experienced and contemporary community services leader with strong strategic capability and sound legislative knowledge. You have relevant tertiary qualifications and substantial experience across community services or emergency management, along with demonstrated success leading diverse service portfolios and driving policy and service improvement initiatives. You bring proven capability in leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performing and customer-focused culture, and interpreting legislation and funding frameworks to inform operational decisions. You communicate with confidence, exercise sound judgement and political awareness, and build strong partnerships across the organisation and community. Local government experience and project management expertise will further support your success in this role.
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Vanessa Huxley on 0417 708 112 or Alannah O’Carroll on 0426 691 205.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on Friday 20 March 2026.
