Recruiting a new chief executive is the first step in implementing Council’s new organisational structure.

Council’s administrator Ian Tiley said positions would be filled from the top.

“It’s vital that we get the new chief executive in first so he is part of the recruitment process for the “group leader” and “service leader” positions,” he said.

Local Representation Advisory Committee member Hans Hietbrink, UNE’s deputy vice chancellor Sue Thomas, former local government review panel member Glenn Inglis, and the administrator will conduct the interviews.

The new look Council comes following a two month independent structural audit.

The recommendation is for three tiers of senior management which could see Council’s top eleven staff earn more than $175,000 a year each.

“Senior staff” would be subject to fixed-term performance based contracts under the new system.

Earlier this month Council’s administrator Ian Tiley said it was important managers were accountable and produced results.

“I am aware that the performance management of senior staff in the past has not been sufficiently effective,” he said.

Dr Tiley said existing council staff were able to apply for all positions.

Council is currently consulting with the unions and staff and expects to appoint a new chief executive before the holiday break.