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  

You will be responsible for coordinating and synthesising policy positions, briefings and summaries in areas relevant to the corporation such as public and environmental policy, infrastructure, legislative reform and regulatory affairs, including cross-government activity. These functions will involve working autonomously with key subject matter experts across our business, and through external engagements, in supporting our people to communicate outside of our business. This role will report directly to the Senior Manager and will form part of a small team focused on delivering SA Water’s strategic policy work.

As the Principal Policy Adviser, you will operate as a strategic leader and trusted second-in-command (2IC) to the Senior Manager. You will be empowered to lead high-impact decisions and represent the Senior Manager in key forums, meetings and discussions.

This role offers a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership position, where you will not only contribute to, but influence and help shape the strategic direction of SA Water’s policy agenda.

You will play a pivotal role in driving complex cross-agency initiatives, and leading sophisticated policy development projects that influence state-wide urban and water policy governance. Working in close partnership with the Senior Manager, you will receive ongoing mentorship while being given the autonomy and authority to act on their behalf.

About the Person

As our Principal Policy Adviser, you will act as a high-performing leader with a strategic mindset and strong operational capability. Not only will you bring deep expertise in policy development but also the confidence and judgement to advise and influence as a contributing decision-maker.

You will be comfortable working at the intersection of government, regulation and corporate strategy where your insights will help shape SA Water’s policy direction. Working with executive leaders and government stakeholders has equipped you with the political acumen, communication skills and resilience to lead critical initiatives and represent SA Water with credibility and authority.

You bring a demonstrated track record of leading high-level policy projects, crafting strategic submissions and navigating sensitive regulatory governance issues with composure and clarity.

Your qualifications in Business, Public Policy, Economics or Law support your ability to deliver impactful policy outcomes, drive reform, and influence decision-making at an executive level.

In addition, your responsibilities will include:

• Deliver strategic policy positions and papers of a high standard as required for the business, including reports, Cabinet papers or public documents to tight deadlines, including sole or lead authorship.
• Work with our people to develop robust policy documents such as Cabinet papers, Board reports, responses or summaries written to a very high standard.
• Utilise internal and external written sources of evidence and available research to independently develop accurate and comprehensive policy positions on key areas of strategic policy.
• Build and proactively support relationships with government stakeholders, while maintaining confidentiality and exercising diplomacy in dealings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop strong and cohesive positions for the consideration of the business on matters of policy significance.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Excellent written skills, including a demonstrated ability to rapidly develop policy artifacts including briefings, executive summaries and position papers based on research and subject matter expert input.
• Outstanding oral communication and inter-personal skills, including a demonstrated ability to deliver detailed policy concepts to various audiences and to positively influence stakeholder relationships.
• A practical understanding of South Australian systems of government and their application to the work of SA Water.
• Sound working knowledge of financial, legislative, regulatory and governance principles.

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Principal Policy Adviser.docx

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

Applications close 11:55pm, Thursday 12 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.