Program Director

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, were 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 This is acareer opportunity to lead the design, construction and delivery of the Metro Growth Program, a major capital workswaterand wastewaterinfrastructureprogram aligned toSouth AustralianGovernment commitments outlinedin the 2024 Housing Roadmap.ThisStatesignificantprogrammaintainsa significant publicand Governmentprofile,requiring both technical skill andprofessionalacumen. TheProgram Director holds end-to-end accountability for theplanning, anddelivery ofthiscomplex, multi-year program, from early project planning and procurement through to construction,commissioningand transition to operational assets. This roleis responsibleforensuringdeliveryin linewithapprovedscope,scheduleand budget, managing a program delivery spend of up to $1.192 billion.This position willensure the program works tomaintainstrong programcontrols, andrisk management frameworks, managing interdependencies across multiple projects. The role will ensureproactiveidentification andescalationof riskand issues to safeguard programachievingGovernment commitments. This is a full-time, ongoing opportunity available to candidates whocanobtain a Baseline Security Clearance and who are seeking employment as an SA Water employee, as contractor arrangements are not being considered. About the Person This role will suit an experienced Program Director who has led large, complex programs in heavy industry or major infrastructure environments and understands the realities of delivering at scale in high-risk, highlyregulatedand visiblesetting.The role will suit a collaborative contribution style,that can listento and share information with colleagues across cross-functional teams to achievethe overallprogram''s goalsand collective success. What sets the right person apart is the ability to balance strong program discipline with an open andcollaborative approachacross SA Water, and itspartners.Experience inproject management, risk and controls provide the foundation, while good judgement,professionalacumenand a partnering mentalityguidewhen to delegate, when to step in and when to escalatemattersfor input or support. As anatural people leader, the successful candidate has built and led high-performingpositive teamcultures, leading throughcomplexity and change. Asupportive and inclusiveculturebuilt ontrustandsupport, willenable our people to achieve theirbest work. Leadership style matters in this role.Weare lookingofan openstrong teamplayer who prioritizescollective success, who isopen to feedbackandable toset aside their own ideas in favourof the best solution for the program. About Growth The Growth group is at the heart of shaping South Australias future. This team plays a key role in supporting the states housing and infrastructure growth by delivering trusted water services that unlock land for development, create thriving new communities, and sustain existing regions. With a strong focus on single-point accountability, they ensure efficiency, consistent decision-making, and seamless connections for our customers. By bringing expertise and innovation together, they help drive smarter solutions and stronger partnerships that support South Australias growth for generations to come. 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 and coach team members toensure a supportive inclusiveenvironment, deliveringhigh quality task outcomes, and ongoing professionalgrowth. Responsible for the effective balance of time,costand quality across the Metro Growth program, with a view to achieving Government milestonesto amaximum $1.192B delivery spend. Establish and ensure an integrated program master schedule, supported by master district schedules toidentifyinterdependencies, critical path and key project and program activities. Responsible for ensuring Senior and General Managers, and Managers are up to date with program progress,and challenges andopportunities are elevatedin a timely manner. Influence,leadand negotiate with internal resources including Systems Planning and Infrastructure Planning & Strategy, Engineering, Operations and Commissioning, Commercial and Supply teams to undertake project work as and whenrequiredin line with Program needs. Identify, plan, and mitigate risks to Program delivery across all aspects of project management including but not limited to schedule, cost, procurement, contract, contractor performance and works planning, during design, contracting, construction,commissioningand handover phase. Your success in this role will come from: Hold relevant project management, engineering or related qualifications and/or industry knowledge, and understanding of relevant technical, regulatory and policy requirements. An understanding of the South Australian water sector, design and delivery processes and strategic planning processes. Highly developed strategic and analytical skills anddemonstratedcapacity to successfully manage assessment and resolution of complex issues across multiple teams and stakeholders. Ability toleadand support a positive,collaborativeand inclusive team and cross-team workculture, with strong inter-personal skills. Ability to prioritise and elevate Program and organisational technical and strategic risks within the business. Excellentwritten and verbal communication skills and an ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences, including: Preparation of high-quality reports,presentationsand responses on complex issues. Proven ability to engage with senior leaders to deliver successful outcomes. Further information can be found in the attached PD Position Description - Program Director 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 [email protected]. Applications close 11:55pm, 18 January 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-12-27