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Principal Strategic Adviser

  • 501960
  • Adelaide, SA
  • Infrast Planning Strateg
  • Sustainable Infrastructure
  • Ongoing- Full Time
  • Closing at: May 8 2026 - 17:00 ACST
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About SA Water

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.

With operations and offices across the state, 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 Infrastructure Planning & Strategy professional to partner with the Senior Manager, Infrastructure Planning & Strategy (IP&S) in delivering high‑quality strategic, functional, and technical support. This role plays a key part in driving the delivery of the IP&S business plan and advancing the organisation’s long‑term infrastructure strategy.

The role operates across complex planning, analytical, and stakeholder engagement environments, contributing sound advice, insight, and practical solutions to enable robust decision‑making and successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic, functional and technical support to the Senior Manager, Infrastructure Planning & Strategy (IP&S) to enable delivery of the IP&S business plan.
  • Support executive, Board and ministerial requirements through the preparation of high‑quality papers, briefings, reports, communications and presentations.
  • Contribute to the development, monitoring and reporting of IP&S performance metrics, priorities and governance processes.
  • Coordinate and support the delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring effective execution, reporting and alignment with organisational objectives.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying and delivering process and business enhancements that improve efficiency, quality and compliance.
  • Monitor the external environment and provide strategic insight on emerging risks, opportunities and enablers impacting infrastructure planning and strategy.

About the Person

You are a strategically focused, commercially minded professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders. You adopt a proactive, solutions‑oriented approach and are comfortable supporting executives on high‑priority and sensitive issues, translating complex information into clear and impactful messages.

Additional requirements are:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic asset management, risk management, infrastructure investment and financial management.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and produce high‑quality executive‑level documentation.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across large, complex organisations to deliver outcomes in the best interests of the business.
  • Proactive, self‑directed and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership and initiative.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity, driving clarity, structure and informed decision‑making.
  • Experience or knowledge of utility infrastructure, systems thinking, and the use of data analytics and visualisation tools (including AI) to support strategic insight.

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

Further information can be found in the attached PD -  Principal Strategy Adviser-PD.docx

Application Information: To apply, click the 'Apply' button and follow the prompts.

Please submit and complete the application form and upload a current resume by 5pm, 8th of May. Applications received after the closing date may not be considered. If you are experiencing difficulties submitting your application or have enquiries, please contact Gregg Forte on Gregg.forte@sawater.com.au from the Talent Team for support prior to the closing date.

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 LGBTQ+ community, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Please note: We request that recruitment agencies do not submit candidates for this position, as they will not be accepted. 

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