Council to appoint four senior managers

Four senior management positions, each with a starting salary of at least $88,000 per annum, have been created by Central Coast Council to report to the group leader of assets, infrastructure and business.

The reason given for establishing the four new positions was the anticipated size and scope of the council's Assets Infrastructure and Business Group.

The four new positions will be: senior manager roads and drainage; senior manager water and sewer; senior manager property and asset management; and senior manager business and economic development.

They will report to the group leader of assets infrastructure and business, Mr Mike Dowling.

The roles will be senior staff positions as defined in section 332 of the Local Government Act of 1993.

According to the Act, senior staff positions can only be created if the responsibilities, skills and accountabilities of the position are "generally equivalent to those applicable to the Executive Band of the Local Government (State) Award".

They must also be paid at equal to or greater than the minimum remuneration package of a Level 1 senior executive office holder.

The minimum weekly pay rate per week for each of the four positions, according to the Award will be $1697.

According to a report considered by council's administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, at the meeting on July 13, the roles would be accountable for the direction and control of a large work area where the individual will be required to influence long-term strategic directions.

"There is a clear expectation that these positions will lead policy development and implementation," the report said.

"The roles will require the application of a range of specialist knowledge and skills ... corporate management skills in a diverse organisation to establish goals and objectives.

"The roles will be required to manage and control staff, budgets and work programs or major projects.

"The positions will have accountability for generating innovative approaches to more effectively deploy resources, meet changing circumstances and improve service to the community," the report said.

The report also identified the high-level interpersonal skills needed as another reason for making the roles senior staff positions, along with needing a relevant degree or equivalent and management experience.

The report to Mr Reynolds did not specify whether positions would be filled internally from existing staff or whether external recruitment would be undertaken.

Central Coast Council agenda 5.3, 13 Jul 2016

Local Government (State) Award 2014 v9.2

Website, 13 Jul 2016

Austlii.edu.au, Local Government Act 1993, Sec 332

Reporter: Jackie Pearson