Job Description

Innovation Governance and Delivery Manager

• Leadership role managing a performing team of dedicated specialists
• Full time permanent position based from Parramatta with hybrid options available
• Join Sydney water at an exciting time of innovation and change.

About the role

Sydney Water is seeking an experienced Innovation Governance & Delivery Manager to lead the governance, performance, and delivery of the organisation’s Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio.

This is a leadership role with accountability for how our research and innovation investment is governed, prioritised, tracked, delivered and measured across the organisation. You will own the end-to-end oversight of R&I investment and performance, provide delivery assurance across a diverse portfolio of initiatives, and enable consistent, high-quality innovation outcomes aligned to corporate strategy, regulatory obligations and benefits realisation.

• Lead, develop and manage a small team of innovation specialists, building capability in governance, prioritisation and delivery, and fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Translate corporate strategy into clear R&I plans, roadmaps and investment priorities that focus effort on the highest value opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate Sydney Waters annual research and innovation plan in alignment with corporate strategy and business priorities.
• Design, maintain and continuously improve innovation and research prioritisation, evaluation and governance frameworks to support effective portfolio oversight and decision-making.
• Develop, manage and oversee the Research & Innovation (R&I) budget, including annual planning, forecasting, spend control and financial reporting.
• Establish and apply robust financial governance, prudency and probity controls across R&I investment and expenditure.
• Oversee the delivery of R&I projects across the portfolio, ensuring alignment to approved scope, timelines, budgets, regulatory requirements and endorsed business cases.
• Monitor delivery progress, risks and dependencies of the R&I portfolio, intervening where required to maintain confidence and outcomes.
• Ensure research and innovation projects deliver measurable financial and non-financial benefits reporting.
• Manage stakeholder engagement with key research partners including the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), Water Research Australia (WaterRA), universities and industry partners to ensure programs of work deliver outcomes for Sydney Water as an end user.
• Manage the successful delivery of R&I initiatives, pilots and projects to approved scope, timelines and budget, and in alignment with organisational strategy, regulatory requirements and endorsed business cases.

About You:

We are looking for a highly capable leader with strong experience in innovation governance, portfolio management and delivery with a complex organisation.

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline such as: Engineering, Science, Technology or related field.
• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) managing research and innovation portfolios in large, complex organisations, including leading and developing teams.
• Proven experience in innovation governance, portfolio oversight, and decision-making frameworks, including business case development, stage-gates, and assurance processes.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and investment portfolios, including forecasting, financial controls and variance management.
• Proven track record delivering innovation initiatives, pilots or programs to defined scope, schedule and budget.
• Experience operating within financial governance, probity and prudency requirements in a public or highly regulated environment.

Please see the position description for the role’s full accountabilities. For any additional questions please reach out to Connor.May@sydneywater.com.au – Application closing date is 19 June 2026.

Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role.

Why join us

Dive into Our Great Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.
• Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.
• Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.
• Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.