Director, People, Safety and Performance

Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 862576
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) works to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. DEW’s work is critical to South Australia’s future social, environmental and economic prosperity and wellbeing. Our aim is to be a flexible, responsive and influential adviser to Government and deliver high-quality policy, programs and assets across our wide and diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a varied portfolio covering people, safety, performance & governance and accommodation & fleet for one of South Australia’s most diverse agencies and make a lasting impact on an organisation that serves communities across the state.

Reporting at executive level you will provide strategic leadership across people and culture, workforce safety and wellbeing, governance, risk, legal services, organisational improvement, fleet and facilities management. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping a workplace where people feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. Leading a team of specialist experts, you'll drive workforce strategy, champion high performance and safety and provide trusted guidance on governance, risk and organisational change. Together, you'll deliver initiatives that strengthen the organisation and make a positive difference for employees and stakeholders.

You are a forward thinking, dynamic and influential leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills who thrives on complexity and knows how to turn vision into action. You bring a proven track record of leading large, multidisciplinary teams, navigating change and delivering measurable improvements in culture, governance and performance. Significant experience in a leadership role in a complex environment, supported by qualifications in an appropriate field (business, governance, management), or a related discipline is desirable.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape the future of a vital South Australian organisation, empowering people to thrive and delivering lasting impact for the community it serves.

About DEW - helping SA conserve, sustain and prosper

Contract: Executive contract up to 3 years.

Special Conditions:

• You must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia.
• May require intra or interstate travel and work outside of the normal hours of work.
• This role requires candidates to provide:
  • a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which must be renewed every three years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
  • a valid Department of Human Services Working with Children Check prior to being employed, which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.

Remuneration: SAES1 Executive Remuneration Level

Enquiries and applications to:

Jacqui Graham or Nick Stillwell
Stillwell Management Consultants
8212 0999

Application Instructions:

Please apply at https://www.stillwellmanagement.com.au/jobs - Job Reference DO000007

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 15/11/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- SAES1 P02284 Director People Safety & Performance - RD.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.