Chief Administrative Officer
Located along the scenic Saint John River in southern New Brunswick, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is a growing and vibrant community recognized for its strong quality of life, natural beauty, and close-knit, family-oriented character. Situated just outside the City of Saint John, the Town offers its 6,000 residents and businesses the benefits of a welcoming small-town environment along with strong regional connectivity and access to urban amenities. Formed through the amalgamation of the former communities of Grand Bay and Westfield, the Town has evolved into a progressive municipality focused on sustainable growth, responsible governance, and community vitality.
The Town of Grand Bay – Westfield is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This position serves as the senior administrative leader of the Town and is accountable for the effective and efficient management of all municipal operations. The CAO provides objective and strategic advice to Council and ensures the implementation of policies, priorities, and programs in alignment with legislative and governance frameworks as well as the strategic plan.
Overseeing all municipal departments, the CAO leads a collaborative and well-established leadership team. The organization is characterized by a strong organizational structure, sound governance, a corporate culture that is well appreciated and has an appetite for growth. At a time of emerging opportunity, including anticipated investments and construction of housing and a new school, the CAO will position the organization to respond proactively and strategically. The CAO supports Council and a staff of ~25 in creative, long-term thinking that allows for the maximization of existing resources available to a small Town. This includes optimizing structures and processes to enhance organizational effectiveness while maintaining stability and continuity.
Does this sound like you?
The ideal candidate is an accomplished and respected municipal executive who brings a balance of strategic leadership and operational insight. Your career reflects a reliable ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and opportunity while maintaining stability, strong service delivery, and organizational cohesion.
Technical and Residential Requirements
The Town of Grand Bay – Westfield is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This position serves as the senior administrative leader of the Town and is accountable for the effective and efficient management of all municipal operations. The CAO provides objective and strategic advice to Council and ensures the implementation of policies, priorities, and programs in alignment with legislative and governance frameworks as well as the strategic plan.
Overseeing all municipal departments, the CAO leads a collaborative and well-established leadership team. The organization is characterized by a strong organizational structure, sound governance, a corporate culture that is well appreciated and has an appetite for growth. At a time of emerging opportunity, including anticipated investments and construction of housing and a new school, the CAO will position the organization to respond proactively and strategically. The CAO supports Council and a staff of ~25 in creative, long-term thinking that allows for the maximization of existing resources available to a small Town. This includes optimizing structures and processes to enhance organizational effectiveness while maintaining stability and continuity.
Does this sound like you?
The ideal candidate is an accomplished and respected municipal executive who brings a balance of strategic leadership and operational insight. Your career reflects a reliable ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and opportunity while maintaining stability, strong service delivery, and organizational cohesion.
Technical and Residential Requirements
- Post-secondary degree in public administration, business administration, or a related discipline
- Significant leadership experience in a municipality
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting and capital planning
- Prepared to live in beautiful Grand Bay–Westfield
- A low-ego and approachable leader, you value teamwork, transparency, and accountability
- High EQ and communication skills, allowing you to build trust across Council, staff, and the community
- Adaptable and solutions-oriented, navigating competing priorities while maintaining focus on organizational effectiveness and service excellence
- Committed to continuous improvement and a culture that encourages innovation
- Understand the importance of the political acumen, discretion, and responsiveness required to work with elected officials and the public
- Familiarity with New Brunswick’s municipal legislation and governance environment
- Experience supporting or leading strategic planning and community engagement initiatives
- Background in infrastructure planning, asset management, or growth management
- Experience working in a smaller or growing community environment
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Claire Holt at cholt@kbrs.ca / 902-424-1105 or Camilla Quaglia at cquaglia@kbrs.ca or apply directly by clicking "Apply Now" below.
The principles of equal opportunity employment will be upheld throughout this process. KBRS will also provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professionals named within this advertisement.