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
As the Manager Key Stakeholder Relations, you will lead a dedicated team responsible for building and strengthening SA Water’s relationships with key stakeholders and regulators. This strategic role focuses on embedding best-practice engagement, supporting regulatory programs, and advising senior leaders on emerging risks and opportunities. With a strong presence across government and industry, you’ll play a critical part in shaping how SA Water collaborates, communicates, and delivers on its strategic objectives.
About the person
You are a strategic thinker and relationship-builder with a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement and public affairs. With proven leadership experience, you bring emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups. You thrive in dynamic environments, balancing long-term vision with day-to-day delivery and are confident advising senior leaders on complex engagement priorities. Your communication skills are exceptional, and you’re passionate about fostering collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and representing SA Water with integrity and impact.
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.
Your responsibilities for this opportunity
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 the Key Stakeholder Relations team and embed a culture of service excellence and inclusion
- Build and maintain influential relationships across senior regulatory and government networks
- Facilitate key information for inclusion in engagement program such as pricing impacts and business case details with key business units and Pricing and Regulation Team.
- Prepare insights from group forums to inform SA Water Executive, Board Senior Managers and key external stakeholders such as government and ESCOSA.
- Advise senior leaders on engagement priorities, risks, and opportunities
- Monitor emerging trends and policy developments to inform strategic direction
- Support and develop team members through coaching and performance feedback
Your success in this role will come from:
- Proven leadership experience and ability to mentor and manage team performance
- Deep knowledge of stakeholder engagement standards and techniques
- High emotional intelligence and strong influencing skills across diverse stakeholder groups
- Excellent communication and strategic problem-solving capabilities
- The ability to shift from strategic planning and thinking to implementation and delivery of agreed outcomes
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, political science, law, business, or related fields
Further information can be found in the attached- PD-Mgr Key Stakeholder Relations Oct 25.pdf
To apply, click ‘Apply’. Please submit and complete the application form, upload a cover letter and current resume. For enquiries, please contact Tracy from the Talent Acquisition team tracy.rayan@sawater.com.au
Applications close 4pm, 7 November 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 LGBTQA+ 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.
