Municipal Shared Services, South Shore Region (MSS) supports the local governments of the District of Lunenburg, Town of Bridgewater and Town of Mahone Bay to operate more effectively through the delivery of shared services, strategic collaboration, and innovative solutions. Established to support municipalities in addressing common challenges and achieving greater efficiencies, MSS has built a strong reputation as a valued regional resource, delivering practical, cost-effective services in IT, HR, waste management, OHS and procurement, enabling communities to focus on serving their residents. By identifying opportunities for coordination, the MSS team of ~30 helps these municipalities find efficiencies in increasingly complex operational, financial, and regulatory environments, maximizing sustainability for their communities.

Municipal Shared Services is seeking a Chief Operating Officer – the organization’s most senior executive. The COO serves as a strategic advisor to the Board and three partner CAOs while leading administration and operations to ensure effective delivery of MSS services and programs. The role carries the responsibilities of a Chief Administrative Officer under the Municipal Government Act and is accountable for translating Board priorities into measurable organizational results, doing so in a unique, highly interconnected, relational environment. The COO ensures the relationship between service provider and users delivers value while leading divisional leaders in curating a culture of unity and innovation in municipal service.

The COO supports strong governance practices and effective management of diverse stakeholder expectations, expected to listen first, build consensus around shared priorities, and maintain a focus on organizational outcomes. The COO is responsible for using thoughtful collaboration to identify innovative solutions to evolving local government challenges, then developing and executing business plans, aligning resources for daily operations and long-term capital planning, and ensuring financial sustainability across all service areas.

Does this sound like you?

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, strategic, and credible executive who excels in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments to get things done. The next COO must possess the ability to bring people together, build alignment around a shared vision, manage diverse expectations, and create trust among the Board, employees, municipal partners, and community stakeholders, taking initiative to ensure maximum service impact. The person who can do this well will benefit from MSS’ culture of strong, capable subject matter experts, experienced and passionate municipal leaders and a Board open to innovation and change.

You have demonstrated success leading organizations through growth by listening first, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue rather than relying on directive leadership. You are approachable, humble, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent, with a natural ability to be the glue between stakeholder groups. Experience having done this in a municipal environment is considered a great asset.

The successful candidate combines strong strategic thinking and an ability to lead capable leaders – ensuring the team has what they need for practical execution. The COO can see the bigger picture, develop long-term plans, and measure outcomes for sustainable capital planning and delivery.

Candidates may come from municipal government, the broader public sector, a regulatory environment, or another complex organization. Experience in governance, financial management, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement will be highly valued. A background in public administration, business, law, finance, or a related discipline is considered an asset.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kevin Stoddart or Claire Holt at cholt@kbrs.ca / 902-424-1105.  

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.

Please review the attached COO job description for additional details.

Close date is subject to change.