Job Description
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Lead a once-in-a-generation enterprise transformation
Shape technology that underpins essential services and public trust
Deliver measurable value from major technology investment
SA Water is a critical, government-owned utility delivering trusted water and wastewater services to more than 1.8 million South Australians across a $14 billion asset base. Every day, its people work together to provide safe, reliable and sustainable services that support communities, industry and the environment.
Technology plays a central role in how SA Water operates, delivers essential services and drives organisational performance. We are seeking an experienced General Manager Technology (CIO) to join the Executive Leadership Team and lead the disciplined delivery of SA Water's enterprise technology strategy, ensuring investment translates into measurable operational, customer and financial value.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the CIO is accountable for defining and executing a cohesive enterprise technology strategy and operating model that enables strong operational performance, excellent customer outcomes and long-term organisational resilience.
This role carries end-to-end accountability for major technology investment, governance and value realisation across a complex transformation environment, while ensuring stability and continuity of mission‑critical services.
SA Water is delivering a six-year, enterprise-wide Core Systems Capability Transformation, modernising core platforms across finance, asset management, CRM and billing while improving enterprise data quality, integration and decision‑making capability.
The CIO will lead this transformation with clear governance, prioritisation discipline and execution rigour, balancing pace with service continuity and ensuring measurable benefits are realised across the organisation.
You will oversee a significant capital technology investment portfolio, lead enterprise change at scale, and build a high‑performing technology function that enables SA Water to operate more effectively today while positioning it for the future.
What You’ll Be Accountable For
Setting and delivering a cohesive enterprise technology strategy and roadmap aligned to organisational priorities
Designing and embedding a contemporary enterprise technology operating model and governance framework
Leading large‑scale core systems transformation across finance, asset, customer and operational platforms
Delivering measurable value from technology investment, including efficiency, service improvement and risk reduction
Overseeing major capital technology programs with strong commercial discipline and prioritisation
Strengthening cyber security, resilience, business continuity and technology risk management
Improving enterprise data quality, integration and analytics capability to support insight‑led decision making
Advancing operational technology, automation and digital innovation where it delivers practical benefit
Identifying and applying emerging technologies such as AI and advanced analytics to improve performance and service outcomes
Setting clear insourcing / outsourcing strategy and optimising strategic vendor performance
Building a high‑performing, inclusive and engaged technology function with strong leadership depth
Working closely with the CEO, Board, Executive peers, government stakeholders and major partners to deliver outcomes together
The Person We’re Looking For
We are seeking a commercially astute enterprise technology leader with a business‑first mindset and a proven track record delivering complex, organisation‑wide transformation in critical infrastructure or similarly demanding environments.
You bring executive credibility, sound judgement and the ability to lead sustained organisational change while maintaining stable and reliable operations.
You will bring:
Proven CIO or equivalent executive experience in critical, asset‑intensive and customer‑facing environments
Demonstrated success leading large‑scale, enterprise‑wide systems transformation and technology modernisation
Experience designing and implementing enterprise technology operating models and governance structures
Strong commercial judgement, including oversight of major capital programs, vendor strategy and investment value realisation
Practical understanding of IT/OT interfaces, cyber risk and mission‑critical technology environments
Experience operating in regulated or safety‑critical environments where reliability and service continuity are essential
Strong capability in enterprise data governance, information management and analytics
A collaborative and influential leadership style that builds trust and alignment across complex stakeholder environments
Highly structured and evidence‑based decision making, balancing risk, cost and value
Experience working with, or alongside, government‑owned or public‑sector organisations is highly regarded
Formal qualifications in technology, business or leadership aligned to executive seniority
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to lead enterprise transformation in an organisation that delivers essential services every day.
You will shape how technology supports operational excellence, customer outcomes and long‑term sustainability while building capability, strengthening governance and ensuring SA Water is positioned for the future.
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Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all that we do. Should you require assistance at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide appropriate adjustments.
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