Chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the call for applications for the top job, overseen by Wellington business management consultant the RDC group, had been advertised externally from October 7 to November 9.
The council did not say whether interim chief executive Dr Pim Borren had applied for the role, nor how long the present interim role was contracted for.
It also did not offer a timeframe for the appointment of a permanent chief executive.
She expected to have a new chief executive in place when the process had "been completed", Cr Robertson said.
"It is important to run a fair and robust process, which can take time."
Asked what characteristics she wanted to see in a new chief executive, she said the new council was at present considering this.
An advertisement in the Otago Daily Times that has run a few times since October 12 said the council was seeking a highly experienced senior executive able to navigate the local government sector as well as the council’s role as stewards of the environment.
Beyond leading "diverse teams" of about 300 staff, the next chief executive would be required to advise the elected leaders at the council "on the multitude of reforms under way".
"We need a chief executive who can drive innovative responses to complex environmental challenges," it said.
"You will further strengthen our partnership with mana whenua and continue to mature a growing organisation, embedding a culture that reflects our values.
"As chief executive, you will be responsible for leading the organisation to deliver significant policy, regulation and partnership programmes, and high-quality public services, including bus services for our Dunedin and Queenstown communities."
Dr Borren has been in the interim role since June.
As well as having earned a PhD in economics from Lincoln University, he has held a variety of executive roles, including chief executive of the Masterton District Council from 2014-18 .
He was brought in during a tumultuous period at the regional council after former chief executive Sarah Gardner resigned in May, giving the council only one week’s notice.
Mrs Gardner left the organisation while it was under investigation by the Environment Minister as well as a retired High Court judge, and tensions between staff and councillors had reportedly disrupted business as usual operations.
As the council's first female chief executive, Mrs Gardner was said to be a clear stand-out among candidates when she was appointed at the end of 2017.
