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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 strategic leadership role will play a key part in embedding our new People and Safety operating model, delivering innovative frameworks and programs that shape our culture, uplift capability, and foster inclusion across the business.

You will be instrumental in partnering across the organisation, working closely with senior leaders, peers and the wider People and Safety team, to proactively deliver programs that anticipate needs, support change and help our people thrive. With a strong foundation already established through our OD and culture work, you will further strengthen the DEI strategy and champion a workplace that values diverse perspectives and shared success.

As a collaborative coach and change maker, you will contribute to building a high-performing, supportive culture and guide a passionate team dedicated to delivering great outcomes. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, influencing how we grow and shape our organisation for the future.

About the Person

The successful candidate is a purpose-driven people leader with a deep understanding of organisational development and DEI strategy. They bring strong experience in designing and embedding frameworks and processes that translate strategy into action and create real cultural impact.

They are proactive and collaborative, able to work confidently across, up and down within the organisation and are skilled in anticipating business needs. Open, supportive and aligned with our values, they coach others to succeed and are energised by enabling people to thrive.

This is a role for someone who leads with heart, brings systems thinking to culture change, and knows how to turn ideas into enterprise-wide programs that lift performance and engagement.

About People and Safety

The People and Safety group are focused on ensuring workforce well-being and success through strategies such as talent attraction, diversity, and collaboration, while also prioritising health and safety efforts to prevent harm and promote overall well-being and career development.

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: 

• Design and deliver contemporary OD and DEI strategies and frameworks.
• Support the implementation of SA Water’s new People & Safety operational model.
• Drive performance and talent initiatives including succession and workforce planning.
• Lead a dedicated team and build strong relationships across the organisation.
• Champion inclusive practices and influence cultural change.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Human Resources, Organisational Development or broader management.
• Strong experience in developing and delivering strategies, frameworks and programs, with a focus on culture transformation and strategic workforce planning.
• Proven project management capability and experience leading initiatives from concept to execution.
• Demonstrated success in building effective partnerships across support and operational areas.
• High integrity and sound judgement when managing sensitive organisational and people matters.
• Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal, with the ability to influence, present to diverse audiences and develop compelling business cases; formal accreditations such as Prosci, HBDI or Hogan are desirable.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Manager Organisational Development & Inclusion.

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

Applications close 11:55pm, 29 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 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.