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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  

SA Water is seeking a strategic, forward‑thinking Program Manager to lead sophisticated stakeholder engagement across some of South Australia’s most significant infrastructure and community‑shaping projects. In this role, you will anticipate emerging challenges, guide complex issues and risk management, and build trusted relationships across government, industry, councils, and communities to secure the social licence needed for major initiatives - including network augmentation to support rapid population growth, new greenfield developments, and climate‑independent water sources. You will design and lead high‑impact engagement and consultation processes, translate complex technical information into clear and accessible communication, and provide strategic insights to executives and the Board.

This role is ideal for a discerning leader with finely tuned social insight and a proven ability to navigate complex, high‑stakes societal change, contributing to a resilient and sustainable water future for all South Australians.

About Customer, Community and Engagement

The Customer, Community and Engagement group drives customer outcomes by delivering exceptional experiences and tailored solutions that grow business, revenue, and the state economy, while actively engaging with communities, and collecting valuable feedback.

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 complex community engagement and consultation where you will design and lead public forums, workshops, and focus groups.
• Influence outcomes by building and sustaining trusted long-term relationships with government, councils, communities, and industry.
• Translate complex concepts into clear communication by effectively distilling and translating complex, technical, or strategic information into clear, accessible language tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences.
• Provide strategic leadership in managing high-risk issues, conduct horizon scanning and lead crisis response planning.
• Monitor engagement activities and prepare sentiment analysis reports for the Executive and Board. Use insights to refine strategies and improve outcomes.

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Extensive experience in designing and delivering strategic stakeholder engagement strategy
• Extensive experience influencing internal and external stakeholders
• Extensive experience in managing significant social licence challenges
• Transformational leadership style
• High-level problem-solving and trend anticipation
• Strategic thinking and alignment with organisational goals
• Adaptability in high-pressure environments
• Collaborative team player across departments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines under pressure
• Proactive and solution-focused mindset
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, political science, law, business, or equivalent experience

Further information can be found in the attached PD – Program Manager Engagement Strategy

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

Applications close 4pm, 12th February, 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.