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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  

As Manager Water Futures, you will lead the development of integrated water security strategies that prepare SA Water for a range of climate and water demand futures. You will bring together complex technical inputs, stakeholder insights, and community engagement outcomes to shape strategic direction across South Australia.

A core part of the role involves working closely with your team on analysis and strategy development to identify policy and infrastructure priorities. You will also engage regularly with external partners to understand diverse perspectives and incorporate them into strategic work.

About the Person

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with demonstrated experience delivering strategy, having previously led teams, delivered complex programs, and influenced outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups.

You are comfortable leading, a thought leader who provides direction, shapes strategy, and takes ownership of programs of work. You can confidently translate technical inputs into clear, actionable strategic insights and policy recommendations.

You thrive in collaborative environments, build trusted relationships, and influence effectively across sectors and levels of government. Most importantly, you are passionate about shaping a sustainable and resilient water future for South Australia.

Plus – an Attractive Relocation Allowance
We offer an attractive relocation allowance for candidates who are looking to make the move to beautiful South Australia!

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: 

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: 

• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team.
• Oversee the development of integrated water security strategies using an adaptive and collaborative planning approach.
• Review and quality‑assure draft content, analysis, and strategic products.
• Lead engagement with external stakeholders, including government agencies, regional groups, customers, communities, and First Nations partners.
• Design and lead public‑facing engagement processes and inclusive community events.
• Guide development of strategic papers, briefings, and implementation plans.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Strategy, science, engineering or related qualifications and understanding of relevant technical, regulatory and policy requirements.
• An understanding of the water sector, water resource management, adaptive planning, futures, and strategic planning processes.
• Highly developed strategic and analytical skills and demonstrated capacity to manage complex issues across multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including a demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, effect long lasting relationships, and drive mutually acceptable outcomes is desirable.  
• Ability to draw high quality conclusions and to make strategic and policy recommendations on the basis of data analysis, research and engagement is desirable.

Further information can be found in the attached Candidate Pack – Manager Water Futures.

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, 14 April 2026.

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.