The Waitaki District Council has started the process of appointing a new chief executive, an advertisement appearing on Saturday calling for applications which close on August 2.
Incumbent Michael Ross has already indicated he will reapply after 11 years in the job.
The process is being conducted by employment consultants Sheffield, and ''a dynamic, experienced and proven leader who knows what it takes to get the best out of a team'' is being sought.
Essentials for the job include strategic thinking, commercial and financial acumen and understanding the value of building solid relationships.
Applicants could come from the local government or private sectors.
The Local Government Act stipulates a local or regional authority chief executive officer's job has to be publicly offered every five years, although a council can grant a single two-year extension.
Mr Ross started as chief executive in January 2004 and has been through two five-year recruitment processes.
Last year, he was granted a two-year extension until January next year.
Under the Local Government Act, the job must now be opened to other applicants.
Once applications are received, they will be considered by the council's executive committee, made up of Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher (chairman) and councillors Kathy Dennison, Peter Garvan, Hugh Perkins and Colin Wollstein.
Interviews of shortlisted applicants will involve the full council, which will make the final decision.
It was hoped to have a decision on an appointment before the end of the year.
