Chief Executive Officer - Mallee CMA

Chief Executive Officer - Mallee CMA

• Build on a strong legacy in a highly influential CEO role shaping the future of the Mallee
• Shape trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners, government, communities, industry and landholders to deliver regional outcomes
• Lead one of Victoria’s most significant catchment management authority & help shape the future of the Mallee region

About Mallee Catchment Management Authority

Mallee Catchment Management Authority (Mallee CMA) is the regional body responsible for natural resource management across the Victorian Mallee. Established under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, with statutory responsibilities under the Water Act 1989. Mallee CMA plays a critical role in planning, coordinating and delivering outcomes for waterways, biodiversity, land and soil health, salinity management, floodplains, cultural heritage and community-based natural resource management.

The organisation’s work is guided by the Mallee Regional Catchment Strategy, the region’s principal framework for integrated catchment management. Developed in partnership with regional stakeholders, the Strategy provides a long-term framework for coordinated action and brings together Traditional Owners, land managers, industry, community groups and government agencies around a shared vision for healthy resilient and productive landscapes and connected communities.

About the Chief Executive Officer Role

Following a successful and highly respected period of leadership, this appointment represents an opportunity to build on Mallee CMA’s strong foundations and lead the organisation into its next chapter.

Reporting directly to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the effective leadership, management and strategic direction of Mallee CMA. The Board is seeking a leader who combines strategic thinking with regional credibility, political acumen with community connection, and environmental stewardship with strong organisational leadership.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative and authentic executive who can build trusted relationships across government, Traditional Owners, land managers, communities and industry, while providing confident leadership to the organisation and maintaining a strong partnership with the Board.

Most importantly, they will understand the unique opportunity that Mallee CMA presents: to lead one of Victoria's most significant natural resource management organisations and help shape the future of healthy landscapes, resilient communities and thriving productive environments across the Mallee region.

About You

You will be a credible, values-led executive who leads with judgement, integrity and authenticity in a complex regional environment. You will bring senior leadership experience from natural resource management, water, environment, agriculture, regional development, public administration, statutory authorities or a closely related setting.

You will have a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively with a Board, Ministers, government agencies, Traditional Owners, landholders, industry, local government, community leaders and delivery partners. You will bring strong communication, advocacy and negotiation skills, together with the confidence to represent the Authority on complex and often sensitive regional, environmental and stakeholder matters.

While you may not be a technical specialist in every aspect of Mallee CMA’s work, you will possess the strategic capability, credibility and judgement to lead multidisciplinary teams, engage constructively with technical experts and make informed decisions across a broad portfolio of responsibilities. You will understand the importance of balancing environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes in delivering sustainable outcomes for the Mallee region.

You will be strategic but grounded, politically astute while remaining apolitical, ambitious for the region, respectful of the organisation’s legacy, and committed to working across natural, cultural and productive landscapes with long-term purpose.

Hazel Executive & Boards is pleased to be partnering with Mallee Catchment Management Authority (Mallee CMA) on the search and appointment of this Chief Executive Officer opportunity. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to Hazel Executive.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pays respect to Elders past and present. Hazel is committed to equal opportunity and to championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all executive appointments. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

Click on this link to review the Candidate Briefing Pack  

To Apply please visit www.hazelexecutive.com.au

Applications Close 11:59pm - 19th July 2026

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jodi Heath, Partner on 0459 997 007  or Jarrod McLauchlan, Managing Partner on 0407 808 517