Ready to lead in the Water industry?

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.

We are looking for a collaborative and dynamic leader to join us as the General Manager of Research & Strategy. In this role you will oversee the Research Team and its portfolio, and as a key member of the Executive and Leadership Teams support the development of strategy, and growth of the organisation.

The water industry is a great place to build your career. Every day you are helping to deliver a service that is essential for life – improving outcomes for our communities, environment, and economies. And Water Research Australia holds a privileged position to undertake research supporting the needs of the sector. This role is ideally suited to either an experienced people manager and senior Research Manager from a water utility or consultancy to take the next step in their career, or an Executive from a water utility or consultancy looking to take on a national focus in their role.

Our head office is in Adelaide, and we have a presence nationwide, with team members currently based across South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and New South Wales. This opportunity is open to talented professionals to work from their preferred location in Australia, ideally with easy access to a major urban centre, and a willingness to travel.

To excel in this role, you will love developing and translating research for others, love people, love developing and nurturing partnerships and networks, love the water industry, and have a strong growth mindset, and great attitude towards quality and for change.

It is essential that you have:

Tertiary qualifications in science and/or engineering or a related discipline appropriate to the water sector. Minimum degree qualification, with preference for PhD

Significant experience working within the water sector, preferably including a role managing research and/or strategy teams and portfolios within a water utility

Experience working with the university sector

For more other preferred and desirable attributes see the Position Description

Part-time and flexible applications are welcomed. Ideally you will already have long-term or permanent rights to work in Australia.

Applications should include your resume and cover letter in a single file (total five page maximum) demonstrating how you meet the key selection criteria:

Your experience in the water industry

Your experience managing industry-based research/strategy teams and portfolios, and

Your growth mindset.

For a copy of the Position Description or further enquiries, please contact Ella Pietsch - HR Lead at [email protected]. Applications are preferred by noon AEDT Monday 24th November 2025. We are seeking a candidate who can commence by early February 2026.

Visit www.waterra.com.au to get to know more about Water Research Australia.