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About the Company 

SA Water is a successful, modern water utility wholly owned by the Government of South Australia. We employ more than 1,700 people across a broad range of disciplines who operate more than $14 billion worth of infrastructure to deliver essential water and sewerage services to more than 1.8 million South Australians.

We operate in a geographically and climatically diverse service area, with sites and locations from Ceduna through to Port Augusta, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, across to the Riverland, down to Mount Gambier, and most places in between.

Our strength and expertise have been shaped by our history. For more than 165 years, South Australians have depended on us to innovate and deliver efficient and sustainable water services. With nationally and internationally recognised industry expertise, we’re focused on understanding and meeting our customers’ expectations.

As well as safely delivering smart and reliable services for our customers of today, we innovate to shape the water solutions of the future that will support thriving economies and healthy communities.

We are driven by our values; we value our people, we do work that matters, we keep it real, we know that our work has impact and we are future focussed. Staying true to our values ensures that we consistently deliver positive outcomes for all South Australians.

About the job  

This exciting Climate Change Program Manager role leads the design, coordination, and delivery of SA Water’s strategic climate change programs, driving our transition to a net zero, climate-resilient future. You’ll be a highly organised, collaborative leader with strong communication skills, influencing strategic decisions across a large organisation.

You will manage whole-of-government climate responses, align programs with South Australia’s emissions and resilience targets, and lead the implementation of the Climate Ready Government Circular. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you’ll embed carbon abatement and climate resilience into planning, procurement, operations, and service delivery—positioning SA Water as a sustainability leader.

About Science and Strategy

The Science and Strategy group employs scientific approaches to address present and upcoming challenges. They execute a strategy driven by customer preferences to elevate the SA Water brand and position us for future success.

In addition, your responsibilities will include: 

• Lead design and delivery of climate change programs aligned with risk and adaptation frameworks, influencing strategic priorities across the business.
• Manage compliance with government climate reporting and policy requirements, coordinating cross-functional efforts.
• Oversee climate risk assessments, emissions inventories, and resource analyses to guide decision-making.
• Develop practical tools and frameworks to embed climate resilience and carbon management.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice and clear communications to Board, Executive, and senior leaders.
• Lead internal engagement, capability building, and manage a high-performing team.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as science, sustainability, engineering, law, or policy.
• A deep and practical understanding of climate science, including mitigation strategies and adaptation approaches.
• Proven expertise in managing complex programs that involve collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and advise senior leaders and executives.
• Strong leadership capabilities, paired with excellent organisational skills and the ability to foster positive stakeholder relationships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks relevant to climate resilience and sustainability.

This opportunity is offered on a maximum-term contract basis, ending December 2027.

Further information can be found in the attached PD –  Climate Change Program Manager Position Description.docx

If you’re ready to lead meaningful climate action and shape the future of water sustainability, we want to hear from you!

To apply, click 'Apply'. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Chantelle Romeo from the Talent Acquisition team chantelle.romeo@sawater.com.au

Applications close at 4pm on 12 August 2025.

A great customer experience is best achieved by having a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from everyone, including people living with disability, job seekers of all ages, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

Our Industry is like no other. Dive into the wonderful world of water and explore the boundless opportunities. Learn more about the water industry at careersinwater.com.au.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted.