Ready to make an impact in the water sector while growing your career?

Water Research Australia (WaterRA) is a leading member-driven organisation dedicated to advancing collaborative water research, innovation and capability building to protect public health and safeguard the sustainability of our water resources. Our vision is to be the leading source of water science and wisdom for healthy communities and a healthy planet.

We’re on the hunt for a collaborative and proactive Research Manager to join our Research Services Team. In this role, you'll initiate and oversee research projects, manage key stakeholder relationships, and help drive the growth of a thriving research portfolio.

Beyond project management, you’ll play a key role in securing external funding, establishing strategic partnerships, and developing alternative funding initiatives—ensuring that great ideas turn into impactful solutions. To excel in this role, a passion for building relationships and understanding the unique needs of our stakeholders is essential. With a member-centric mindset, you will love advancing and translating innovative ideas into impactful research solutions that drive value for our members, and contribute to the growth of WaterRA.

Our head office is based in Adelaide but we have a presence nationwide, with team members across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. This opportunity is open to talented professionals from across Australia, ideally with access to a major urban centre.

If you're a natural connector, an energetic and resilient leader, someone who thrives in creative environments, and loves to bring clarity to ambiguity, this is your chance to shape the future of water research while growing your career in a meaningful way.

Responsibilities:

Develop and lead new and existing research programs and projects across a range of water-related topics

Enhance WaterRA’s project portfolio by identifying and utilising grants, seed-funding, and alternative funding models

Progress member ideas from ideation to full scale research delivery, supported by fit-for-purpose contracting and processes

Support the translation of research into knowledge and outcomes to benefit members and the wider water sector

Support further refinement of fit-for-purpose processes and good governance for managing partnerships and research

Engage in and support research communities and partnerships on behalf of WaterRA and our members, as appropriate

What we're looking for:

Tertiary qualifications in science, engineering, or a related field appropriate to the water sector (preference for post-graduate, research-based qualification)

Two or more years’ experience managing R&D projects and portfolios, ideally with demonstrated outcomes

Experience in a role with strong customer and partnerships focus, preferably within a member-based or customer-facing organisation

Experience within the water sector, and/or working with water utilities, councils, regulatory and policy stakeholders

Experience managing research and/or innovation or business improvement projects

Experience working with the university sector, preferably directly with researchers

Experience in obtaining external grants including proposal writing and submission

Experience in maintaining and improving R&D project management and governance processes and systems, contract management, intellectual property management, licensing and commercialisation, knowledge transfer and translation to utility partners and establishment of benefits realisation, front-end problem identification and ideation and conversion into project proposals will all be viewed favourably

Articulate and confident in presenting at events and facilitating workshops

Willingness to travel intra- and interstate, as needed

Email enquiries are welcome or, to apply, please forward your resume and cover letter outlining why you feel you are right for this role and how you think you can make an impact to Ella Pietsch, HR Lead, [email protected]

Applications are preferred by COB Monday 5 May 2025.

Visit www.waterra.com.au to get to know more about WaterRA.