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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  

We are seeking an experienced leader to guide SA Water’s approach to water security response, including planning for drought scenarios and other periods of water scarcity. This is a highly varied and impactful role that works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure South Australia’s communities continue to receive trusted, reliable water services.

You will lead long‑term water demand assessment, shape organisation‑wide water efficiency initiatives, and manage a dynamic team delivering critical planning, projections and response activities. This role plays a pivotal part in strengthening SA Water’s preparedness for climate variability and future water needs.

About the Person

The ideal candidate is an empowering and inclusive leader who brings out the best in their team. They create clarity, direction and purpose, helping people stay focused on broader organisational goals while feeling supported in their day‑to‑day work. Managing a dynamic and technically skilled team comes naturally to them, and they thrive in environments with multiple moving parts and competing priorities.

They bring a strong understanding of water resources in South Australia, or experience in water planning, water security or drought response. With highly developed strategic and analytical capability, they confidently assess complex information, influence decisions, and build trusted relationships across both internal and external stakeholders.

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 the development and implementation of water security response plans, including drought preparedness and event‑based responses.
• Mature SA Water’s approach to drought response and water security.
• Lead long‑term water demand projections and develop the frameworks that support them.
• Oversee water efficiency strategy, including monitoring customer demand and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Identify triggers and monitoring systems that support timely and effective response activation.
• Influence and engage with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, Landscape Boards, DEW and the SA Water Executive.
• Manage, mentor and support a high‑performing team.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Hold relevant tertiary science, engineering or related qualifications and understanding of relevant technical, regulatory and policy requirements.
• An understanding of water security, water demand and water efficiency.
• Highly developed strategic and analytical skills and demonstrated capacity to successfully manage assessment and resolution of complex issues across multiple stakeholders and organisations.
• Highly developed organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and multi-task.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including a demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, effect long lasting relationships, and drive mutually acceptable outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including a demonstrated ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, effect long lasting relationships, and drive mutually acceptable outcomes.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Manager Water Security Response.

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, 24 March 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.