MIDDLEBORO — Middleboro will soon have a new town manager, following the retirement of Robert Nunes, who has held the position for nearly eight years.

Nunes will be retiring effective Oct. 21. 

“It has been a true honor and privilege to have worked for the residents of Middleborough,’’ Nunes wrote in his official retirement letter.

Nunes, who previously served as mayor of Taunton, wrote of the town’s accomplishments during his years of service. 

“The town’s financial standing is strong and healthy,’’ his letter reads. “Working as a team, we have built a new police station, a new high school and a new DPW facility. We invested millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements. We made great strides in advancing technological capabilities and efficiencies across all town government offices.’’

Nunes said that he has “enjoyed almost 40 years of public service working at both the state and local levels of government. I always treasured my time working in local government as it is where one can truly make a difference.’’

A search is underway for Nunes’ successor. The town has hired Groux-White Consulting, a municipal management consulting firm, to oversee the process of finding a new town manager, select board chair Mark Germain said.

The recruitment process for candidates was handled independently of the select board, Germain said. The last day to apply was Sept. 7, he said.

He said he has heard that a number of qualified candidates have applied. 

The consulting firm is vetting the candidates and will present the top eight for the select board’s consideration in executive session, which is closed to the public. This group will then be whittled down to four. 

Those top four choices will be interviewed in public session and a final determination will be made.

Germain said a start date for the new town manager will depend on that individual’s circumstances and how much time the candidate would need to give a current employer. 

He anticipates a new town manager will likely start in November, and definitely by the end of the year.

Germain said he would consider having Nunes stay on in an interim capacity to help with the transition. That would depend on what his fellow board members wanted and whether Nunes would be available. 

“I anticipate a smooth transition and look forward to the months ahead working with town officials on policies and initiatives that will continue to make Middleborough a great place to live and work,’’ Nunes wrote.