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 role

As Contract Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the commercial and contractual performance of our outsourced service agreements. Reporting into the Commercial Operations team, you’ll be responsible for negotiating agreements, managing key supplier relationships, monitoring performance metrics, and ensuring value-for-money outcomes. You’ll work closely with both internal stakeholders and external partners to support efficient service delivery, resolve commercial issues, and drive continuous improvement across all areas of contract management. Your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving will be critical in ensuring our agreements deliver both operational excellence and financial results.

About You

You’re a collaborative professional with experience in managing contracts and commercial relationships. You take a practical approach to problem-solving and are comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders to find balanced, effective solutions. Clear communication and building strong working relationships come naturally to you, and you value teamwork and mutual respect. With a good eye for detail and a solid understanding of contract management principles, you’re someone who takes pride in supporting efficient, high-quality service delivery and contributing to shared success.

About Operations and Maintenance 

The Operations & Maintenance team oversees the management of our water, wastewater and River Murray activities and conducts operational control activities for a secure water supply. The team is responsible for both planned and unplanned maintenance activities, integrating corrective, preventive, predictive, and precision maintenance strategies. They aim to meet availability, performance, cost, and risk targets by leveraging technical asset maintenance and reliability expertise. Operations & Maintenance strives to deliver smart and reliable services to customers while enhancing overall operational efficiency.

In addition, your responsibilities will include:

Fostering trust with our people, customers and community by providing expert advice and service that ensure we effectively communicate and engage audiences with our business strategy and its delivery across South Australia, every day.

You will:

• Manage and oversee existing water, wastewater, and recycled water delivery contracts, ensuring efficient execution and adherence to contractual terms.
• Ensure compliance with the Contract Management Framework, policies, and procedures, working closely with both internal teams and external contractors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between SA Water’s business units and contract partners on all commercial and contractual matters.
• Ensure that any contractual issues, operational challenges, or performance concerns are addressed and resolved in a timely and professional manner.
• Review and manage contracts, budgets, and financial outcomes to ensure cost-effective and efficient service delivery.
• Support end of contract negotiations by providing value for money assessments and facilitating smooth contract transitions.
• Ensure that all contract variations, change orders, and scope adjustments are assessed and negotiated to deliver optimal financial and operational outcomes.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, commerce, science, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Extensive experience in the management of both major and minor contracts, with a strong understanding of contract law and commercial terms.
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience in using analytical techniques to evaluate and resolve complex issues.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical audiences effectively.
• Experience in managing outsourced service contracts, particularly in the utilities or infrastructure sectors (Desirable)

Further information can be found in the attached- Position Description-Contract Manager.docx

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

Applications close 4pm, 9 June 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 LGBTQA+ 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.