Director, People, Safety and Performance

About the role

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) in South Australia is recruiting a Director, People, Safety and Performance. This is a long-term executive contract (up to 3 years) reporting at executive level, covering people, safety, performance and governance, as well as accommodation and fleet. The role leads a team of specialist experts and shapes a workplace where people feel supported, valued and empowered.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across people and culture, workforce safety and wellbeing, governance, risk, legal services, organisational improvement, fleet and facilities management.
• Drive workforce strategy, champion high performance and safety, and give trusted guidance on governance, risk and organisational change.
• Deliver initiatives that strengthen the organisation and benefit employees and stakeholders.

Required profile

• A forward-thinking, dynamic and influential leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Proven track record leading large, multidisciplinary teams through change and delivering measurable improvements in culture, governance and performance.
• Significant experience in a leadership role in a complex environment; qualifications in business, governance, management or a related discipline are desirable.
• Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid working visa; willingness to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities.
• Intra- or interstate travel and work outside normal hours may be required.

Required skills

• Nationally coordinated criminal history check (renewed every three years).
• Working with Children check (renewed every five years).

Remuneration is at SAES1 Executive Remuneration Level. Applications close on 15 November 2026 via the recruitment consultant handling the vacancy.