Director, Water Security, Policy and Planning

Drive policy, influence change and secure South Australia's water future.

The Department for Environment and Water is recognised for its commitment to sustainable natural resource management and offers an ideal environment for collaborative and team-oriented professionals. It provides diverse career opportunities, including the chance to contribute to policy development and represent South Australia at both national and international forums.

An exciting opportunity exists for an accomplished and strategic leader to join the Department as the Director, Water Security, Policy and Planning. In this influential role, you will lead South Australia’s response to some of its most significant water challenges and opportunities. You will shape policy, drive reform, lead innovation and deliver critical programs that strengthen water security, reduce flood hazard risk, and support water sensitive urban planning.

Partnering with senior leaders and key stakeholders across government, industry, research, community and First Nations groups, you will influence policy, build strategic relationships, support emergency preparedness, and lead a high-performing team to deliver impactful outcomes for South Australia.

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in effectively leading and managing a team, demonstrating adeptness in decision-making, resource allocation and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve organisational goals.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies and programs of national and/or state-wide significance.
• Proven ability to develop effective relationships with community, industry, government and non-government stakeholder groups to achieve the priorities of government.
• Sound working knowledge of the machinery of government and a demonstrated ability to influence and gain the trust and confidence of others at senior levels in government and non-government organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in driving a culture of high performance.
• Proven negotiation, inter-personal and communication skills in politically sensitive and complex environments.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic and business planning that delivers successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills that enable the identification of issues and the development and implementation of effective solutions.

Applications close, Wednesday 30th September 2026.

This is a 3-Year term Contract.

To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ella Morgan directly on 08 8216 3553 or ella.morgan@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.