Senior Manager, First Peoples

South East Water support healthy and liveable communities by delivering water, sewerage and recycled water services to around 1.8 million people across South East Melbourne. South East Water’s Strategy and Stakeholder team supports the organisation’s strategy, regulation, community and stakeholder engagement and communications teams. This team plays a pivotal role in developing and delivering on SEW’s organisation strategy, partnering with Traditional Owners, leading the approach to water security and leading internal and external communications.

Following their first Reconciliation Action Plan (2020-2022), South East Water have recently undertaken a cultural review and are committed to developing a strategy based upon its findings to ensure deep and meaningful relationships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities.

This is an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position. South East Water considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) and under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

Reporting to the Group Manager, Sustainable Water Strategy, the Senior Manager, First Peoples will lead, develop and implement key strategies and plans to support the interests and needs of Traditional Owners and First Nations communities living within South East Water’s service area. This role will oversee the implementation of SEW’s Reconciliation Action Plan and will work to uplift the level of cultural safety within the organisation.

This role will lead collaborative work with other water portfolio entities that supports First Nations self-determination and interests in water ownership and management. This role will prepare advice to both senior executives and the South East Water Board on facilitating increased self-determination in relation to the ownership and management of water.

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent for a position description at ****@pipelinetalent.com.au

You will be a self-assured leader with a high level of tact and diplomacy. You will be able to navigate relationships with senior stakeholders and exert influence over key decision making. You will have a strong skillset in policy and strategy and have experience in co-designing culturally appropriate strategies. You will have a thorough understanding of the challenges facing First Nations communities, particularly as it relates to self-determination.

Selection Criteria 

1. Relevant lived experience and extensive professional experience working with First Nations communities.
2. Excellent engagement skills, including the capacity to engage meaningfully and respectfully with Elders and Aboriginal communities.
3. Demonstrated ability to influence and negotiate with key stakeholders at a senior level.
4. High level verbal and written communication skills.
5. Project or Program Management skills demonstrated through the sustained development and delivery of services, programs, or projects.

• A commitment to work-life balance with truly flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working, leave purchasing and RDO options. 
• 15 weeks paid parental leave for all parents and paid super on unpaid parental leave 
• A range of benefits, including free on-site parking and cultural leave. 
• A great culture working in collaborative teams with strong work ethics. 
• Career focused learning and development opportunities. 
• The opportunity to be part of an organisation committed to environmental initiatives. 
• Enjoy modern office facilities with panoramic beachfront views. 

We do meaningful work, but how we do it is just as important. We’re here to help people live well, protect the environment, and keep healthy water and resources accessible and affordable for all.  We know to make a positive difference we need to support our people to be their very best. Flexibility and innovation are at the heart of how we work.  But it’s our people’s collective ambition, authenticity and differences that bring our culture to life.  

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. Everyone brings a unique voice and a refreshing perspective that keeps us innovating. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers. Even though we’re all different, we still share a common goal to deliver healthy water for life.  

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people with disability and from culturally diverse backgrounds. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible workplace for everyone. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please advise Pipeline Talent.

All applications will be managed by Pipeline Talent. Your application should include:

• a cover letter [maximum 2 pages] responding to the five (5) selection criteria as detailed above.
• an up-to-date CV of no more than five pages which clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to this role.

Applications will close at 11.59pm on Monday 4 March 2024. Unfortunately, late applications will not be accepted.

How to get more information

Additional information is available in the role description or by contacting the team at Pipeline Talent.

Lachlan Holton | Senior Recruitment Consultant

Email: *******@pipelinetalent.com.au

Ph: (02) 8001 6*** or 0438 982 ***

Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.