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  

The Senior Manager, Strategy and Sustainability leads the development and delivery of our corporate strategy while driving sustainability initiatives that position us for long-term success. As a key member of the Science and Strategy group, this role is pivotal in shaping SA Water’s future by integrating research, innovation, and strategic foresight to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the water sector. With significant developments expected in the next 12 months, we need someone who can hit the ground running - working closely with the Board to refine and execute our strategic direction.

This max term opportunity is available for 3 years. 

About the Person

We are looking for an insightful and strategic leader with the ability to navigate complexity and drive meaningful change. The ideal candidate will have strong influencing skills, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders. You will be comfortable leading future-focused initiatives and balancing long-term strategic goals with the organisation’s current appetite for change. With major projects and shifts on the horizon, you must be able to develop strategy alongside the Board and Executive while ensuring rapid and effective execution to win the hearts and minds of all SA Water employees. Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and succinctly, along with a passion for sustainability, will be essential for success in this role.

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 a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement SA Water’s corporate strategy and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide strategic foresight, identifying and addressing future risks and opportunities.
• Oversee research, innovation, and sustainability programs to drive tangible business value.
• Strengthen partnerships with government, industry, and research bodies to influence policy and drive innovation.
• Work closely with the Board to develop and refine strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s evolving needs. 

Your success in this role will come from: 

• Tertiary qualifications in Science, Economics, Business Management, or a related discipline, or demonstrated experience within the field.
• Extensive experience leading large, complex multidisciplinary teams and driving strategy development.
• Proven ability to lead research, innovation, and sustainability projects, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Strong understanding of sustainability frameworks, tools, and reporting, with experience embedding sustainability into strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in leading and supporting Aboriginal engagement, with in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal policy.
• A future-focused mindset with the ability to cut through complexity, influence stakeholders, and balance strategic vision with organisational appetite for change.

Further information can be found in the attached candidate pack – Senior Manager Strategy and Sustainability.

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 4pm, 23 March 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.