The position of at least one senior manager is expected to be made redundant before local elections in October, and two more middle-management jobs could follow.
One management position had already been vacated when former council property manager Dougall McIntyre left his post in April, and council chief executive Michael Ross said recent staff resignations and impending retirements had provided an opportunity to examine how the organisation could be structured differently.
He said a key change under the restructuring proposal would be to disestablish the position of corporate services group manager, which would reduce the current number of group managers from four to three.
Another two management roles within the policy, finance, community, customer, corporate and property services areas could also be ''disestablished,'' if the proposal went ahead.
Mr Ross said the restructuring proposal had been driven by a desire to create a slimmer, more flexible senior team and reshape the organisation to better focus on the customer.
''We are also facing significant changes in the sector and this proposal will go a long way to improving our ability to respond.''
Any restructuring would be completed before October 12, and in time for the incoming council, following local elections, he said.
''A document outlining the details of proposal has been distributed to all council staff for their feedback. Once this feedback has been considered, a final decision on the new structure will be made near the end of September.''
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the council had been ''focused for some time'' on the need to restructure.
''We need a new shape which will recognise and allow for the economic background which affects us all. We have taken steps to reduce rates and minimise debt. We are ready for the next step - a slimmer and more responsive council structure.''
The restructuring would establish ''a progressive and positive plateau'' for the incoming council in October, he said.
Current corporate services manager Carolyn Carter said she was sad to leave her role, which had involved heading the development of the Friendly Bay Playground at Oamaru Harbour, but added that she understood the reasoning behind the loss of her job.
''It was obvious that my position was the one that could go and I felt that the reasons for this and how it could be progressed made sense.
''I believe I have done a good job in helping the district to realise some great projects and have really enjoyed working with local volunteers and businesses in making the Oamaru Harbour a fabulous destination playground.''
The council had spent more than $500,000 on developing the playground, and Mrs Carter said she was happy to be able leave such a ''lasting legacy''.
She would continue to work on some unfinished projects to ensure they were completed before she left.
''I also have an opportunity to do a number of other personal projects that I have been putting off and should now get on with.''
