Senior Manager Engagement and Strategic Relations

About the role

SA Water delivers safe, reliable water and wastewater services to more than 1.8 million South Australians. As Senior Manager Engagement and Strategic Relations, you will lead one of the organisation's most strategically important functions, reporting to the General Manager Customer, Community and Engagement. You will shape how SA Water engages with customers, communities, government, regulators, industry partners and Traditional Owners, embedding engagement early in planning and keeping it central to project delivery. The role works closely with the Board, Executive and senior leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure business plans are developed to meet strategic priorities and that team accountabilities and authorities are clear.
• Lead the development, implementation and maintenance of individualised plans for stakeholder engagement with external organisations, industry groups and government agencies.
• Keep abreast of the changing environment and plan for and minimise risks while seizing opportunities.
• Develop relationships with and influence senior external regulatory and key stakeholders through formal consultation and informal communication.
• Maintain strong strategic relationships with Traditional Owners, including early and effective engagement.
• Monitor the capital program to anticipate when and where Aboriginal engagement is required, and develop engagement plans for major projects.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in Public Relations, Strategic Communication or a related discipline, or significant equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with government partners and with First Nations people and organisations.
• Experience leading large-scale engagement strategies linked to complex projects, public policy, infrastructure delivery or organisational transformation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, and effective liaison and negotiation skills in complex, emotive situations.