City Manager

Overview

Gun Barrel City, Texas, is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional to serve as its next City Manager. Located on the eastern shore of Cedar Creek Lake, approximately 60 miles southeast of Dallas, Gun Barrel City is a growing community of approximately 7,000 residents with a quality of life, a strong financial foundation, and opportunities for continued growth.

Gun Barrel City is a home-rule municipality in Henderson County on the shores of Cedar Creek Lake, one of Texas’ largest recreational lakes. The community attracts full-time residents, retirees, second-home owners, and visitors who enjoy boating, fishing, shopping, dining, and waterfront living.

Gun Barrel City is a financially stable organization committed to delivering municipal services while maintaining a lean and efficient workforce. The City benefits from experienced department leadership, strong fiscal management, excellent public safety services, and an ISO Class 2 fire rating.

Reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager serves as the City’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for the overall administration of municipal operations. The City Manager oversees department operations, prepares and administers the annual budget, implements Council priorities, and provides strategic leadership to ensure efficient and effective municipal services.

Gun Barrel City is well positioned for continued success. Key priorities include supporting economic development, planning for future infrastructure needs, maintaining the City’s strong financial position, enhancing organizational performance, and strengthening community engagement.

The City seeks an ethical, collaborative, and experienced local government leader with strong financial management skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator who can provide strategic leadership while remaining approachable and engaged with employees, elected officials, residents, and the business community.

Experience in municipal finance, budgeting, economic development, infrastructure planning, and Council relations is highly desirable. Candidates should be comfortable leading a hands-on organization while fostering innovation, accountability, and professional development.

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Seven to ten years of progressively responsible municipal management experience or equivalent is desired, with previous city management experience preferred but not required.

Gun Barrel City offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with an excellent municipal benefits package. Relocation assistance may be negotiated for the selected candidate.

The position will remain open until filled, with the first council review of applications beginning in early August 2026.