General Manager

Infrastructure

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Ararat Rural City Council is embarking on an exciting period of change!

If you are looking for an opportunity to take your career to the next level and put your fantastic people management and leadership skills to the test, then now is the time to join Council. With the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, along with a new organisational structure – this is an exciting time to join our organisation and contribute to the next phase of our journey.

Ararat Rural City is a place moving forward – we have it all, and just two hours or so from the city, the coast and the river, plus the Grampians right on our doorstep.

As part of the new structure, three new Executive positions have been established to provide the support required for Council to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

The positions:

General Manager Infrastructure;

General Manager Corporate Services; and

General Manager Community Services.

If you possess contemporary leadership skills and the confidence to lead the organisation through a period of considerable change, focusing on improvements in customer service, communication, leadership, accountability and strategic planning, then we want to hear from you.

Applicants will have tertiary qualifications relevant to the role for which they are

applying and will be expected to have the capabilities, knowledge and experience set

out in the position descriptions to achieve positive outcomes for Council. Extensive

leadership experience with well-developed interpersonal skills will enable you to work

collaboratively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and in the interests of

Council and the community.

An attractive Senior Officer remuneration package including full private motor vehicle

use will be negotiated commensurate with the successful applicant’s skills, abilities

and experience.

Want to find out more?

Visit Council’s website at www.ararat.vic.gov.au or request an application package from Paula Davidson – Manager People & Culture (03) 5355 0205 or 0428 187 925

Applications should be submitted in line with the Ararat Rural City Council Application Guide.

Applications close at 4pm November 16, 2018.

DR. TIM HARRISON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: General Manager Infrastructure

Incumbent: VACANT

Employment Status (EFT): Full Time - Fixed term (1 EFT)

Start Date

Completion Date

Award Classification: Senior Officer

Department: Infrastructure

Prepared by: Manager People & Culture

Approved by: Chief Executive Officer

Position Summary

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the General Manager Infrastructure contributes to the effective achievement of Council’s Strategic and Operational Plans, policies and procedures. The position also provides high level strategic and operational advice to Council and the Chief Executive Officer on a range of complex issues that face small rural Councils, whilst engaging with internal and external stakeholders to deliver key outcomes through strong leadership and management across Council.

This position requires clear thinking, resilience, and relentless execution delivered through a confident and professional approach, applying sensible decisions to make leaps in operational efficiency and service delivery.

Organisational Relationship

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Manages: Manager Assets Coordinator Operational Services Coordinator Maintenance Works Coordinator Design & Project Management Coordinator Works Administration

Indirectly Manages: All Infrastructure department employees

Key External Relationships: Local, State & Federal Government Departments & Authorities Community Organisations Contractors Members of the public

Key Internal Relationships: Councillors General Manager Corporate Services General Manager Community Services Manager Governance Executive Services & Councillor Support Officer

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Foster a culture that values its people, supports customer service and teamwork while promoting Council’s vision of a high-performing organisation;

Continually evaluate, monitor and instigate appropriate change to ensure a level of service delivery consistent with Council policy and financial considerations;

Provide an environment that promotes the principles of the Business Excellence Framework as an integral part of Council’s employment philosophy;

Manage the functions of the Infrastructure department including the correct execution of all applicable statutory requirements, delegations, Council policy, procedure, legislation and emergency management responsibilities;

Provide strategic leadership, direction and generation of contemporary strategies to inform decision-making; ensuring consistency of application across the municipality whilst developing and motivating others;

Communicate effectively and consistently, drive and support staff development by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, empathy, direction and clear oversight;

Maintain a focus on risk assessment, quality assurance and management of large, complex and high-risk projects and activities;

Ensure the timely and cost effective completion of approved annual works programs and purchasing functions as defined in Council budgets or in contract agreements;

Manage resource costs, ensuring due diligence is applied to the management of revenue and expenditure; and

Other duties as required by the Chief Executive Officer within the scope of the position.

Accountability & Extent of Authority

Ensure Council uses public funds in an efficient manner to achieve the optimum value for funds expended;

Responsible for compliance with the Local Government Act and other relevant legislation; and

This position is responsible for delivering on all action items that have been identified within Council’s Corporate Plan that ae designated within the Infrastructure department.

Judgement & Decision Making

Must be able to research, analyse and interpret complex issues relating to the delivery of sound work practices, thorough and contemporary planning and related technical advice and project performance/management;

The ability to use sound judgment to provide corporate-wide advice, compliance and enforcement functions and related project coordination including scoping, resource management, cost control and variance management;

Empower people to achieve the organisation’s goals by delegating sufficient authority, responsibility and accountability and by providing support and appropriate levels of guidance to all employees within the Infrastructure department;

The ability to approach all situations with a clear perception of the political context and reality surrounding the situation; and

Must be able to respond promptly to changed circumstances and make sound decisions to ensure the ongoing efficiency of the department.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Extensive knowledge of workplace health & safety requirements including risk assessment;

Demonstrated knowledge of human resource management practices and principles, particularly in relation to employee performance management, development and motivating staff, employment equity, anti-discrimination and workplace health and safety requirements;

Demonstrated understanding of accounting principles and their application within a local government environment; and

Strong political and business acumen;

Skills in interpreting and understanding behaviour, and a concern for shaping the behaviour and attitudes of others through example, leadership and relevant strategies.

Management Skills

A focus on achieving results, with an ability to establish clear, specific goals and objectives and to monitor progress towards those ends, taking corrective action when necessary;

Ability to think in an analytical manner, to use deductive reasoning and to systematically examine and improve Council operations;

Through leadership encourage internal and external collaboration and build partnerships to achieve business and personal objectives;

A management style that encourages continuous review and improvement of our service culture and the implementation of policies and procedures valued by our customers.

Interpersonal Skills

High level communication and public relations skills, with an ability to consult and negotiate with internal and external customers to achieve the best outcomes for Council and the community;

Support and promote the “culture” and “values” of Council, evidenced through personal commitment, personal behaviour, language and the achievement of results; and

Excellent time management skills, with the stamina and adaptability to maintain work output and calmness in times of pressure.

Qualifications & Experience

An appropriate tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline permitting membership with the Institute of Engineers (Australia);

Post graduate engineering or management qualification is highly regarded;

Significant experience at a senior management level;

Demonstrated experience in strategic asset management and financial planning and control;

Knowledge of the political environment within which local government operates and an appreciation of the external factors that impact Council business;

Extensive experience in leading significant organisation cultural change initiatives to achieve organisational objectives with a focus on performance and continuous improvement;

A high degree of working knowledge of plant and equipment capabilities, including its operation and maintenance;

Demonstrated ability to effectively and sensitively introduce and manage change initiatives;

A current drivers licence is essential.

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POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Selection Criteria

1. Tertiary qualifications in engineering are essential to the role. Professional membership with the Australian Institute of Engineers is highly regarded, as is a postgraduate qualification in management.

2. Proven senior executive record with high level achievement and demonstrated experience in developing organisational capability, leading and implementing change and risk management.

3. Excellent problem solving and analytical abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to think strategically and conceptually to identify challenges; consider differing perspectives and refine complex information to create viable options that address the organisations current and future needs.

4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and advocacy skills with the ability to use discretion and sound judgement in complex environments.

5. Demonstrated ability to develop, manage and maintain strategic plans, annual budgets, occupational health and safety framework, along with associated budgetary and financial management reporting.

6. Highly developed knowledge of the legislative, ethical and corporate management reporting requirements of Local Government.

Position Approval

Signed Date

Acknowledged by Employee

Approved by the Manager People & Culture

Approved by the Chief Executive Officer

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Information for Applicants:

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position with Ararat Rural City Council. Please read the following information before submitting an application.

Your application

Applications must include the following:

A cover letter;

Completed Key Selection Criteria (included in position description); and

Your current resume.

Please do not include original copies of qualifications or licences with an application but be aware that Council will require verification prior to confirmation of employment.

The selection process

All positions at Ararat Rural City Council are filled in accordance with suitability for the position, organisational fit and the relative merits of the candidates and relevant legislative requirements. Merit and suitability are assessed through a selection process that comprises the written application, key selection criteria, the applicant’s performance at interview and referee reports.

Submitting your application

Applications must be submitted via Council’s website www.ararat.vic.gov.au or emailed to pdavidson@ararat.vic.gov.au.

Closing date: 4:00pm (AEST) Friday, 16 November 2018.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

Further information

For further information regarding these positions please contact:

Paula Davidson Dr Tim Harrison Manager People & Culture or Chief Executive Officer Phone: (03) 5355 0205 Phone: (03) 5355 0260 pdavidson@ararat.vic.gov.au tharrison@ararat.vic.gov.au