MANAGER - EVENTS

Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA); Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) is seeking an experienced Events Expert/Manager to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of all association events. You will head a two-person events team and drive three state conferences in 2027 across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, with potential WA expansion.

The role emphasizes 70% operations and 30% strategy, in a flexible hybrid/work-from-home setup.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years events management experience.
• Experience using EventsAir or Cvent is essential.
• Proven leadership experience in event teams.
• Strong project management, multitasking, and budgeting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of all association events.
• Lead and mentor a two-person events team.
• Deliver three state conferences in 2027 across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.
• Explore expansion to a one-day conference in Western Australia.
• Balance approximately 70% operational and 30% strategic work.

Skills

Events management

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Budget management

Tools

EventsAir

Cvent

Job description

The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) is the leading national association supporting the people who operate, maintain, and manage Australia's water and wastewater systems.

Through conferences, exhibitions, training, networking, award recognition, personal development opportunities, competitions, and industry resources, we connect thousands of water industry professionals each year, helping them learn, grow, and share best practice.

With over 6000 members, our events bring together operators, utilities, suppliers and industry leaders from across Australia to showcase innovation, build relationships, and strengthen the future of the water industry.

Our culture is collaborative, inclusive, and focused on making a real difference in the industry and the communities we serve.

WHY JOIN WIOA?

At WIOA you’ll work alongside a small team of passionate individuals to create experiences and member value for water industry operations professionals across Australia.

Being part of a people‑first organisation that genuinely values work‑life balance

Three additional paid WIOA Me Days annually, because we believe exceptional events are delivered by people who are supported to recharge after major milestones

A flexible hybrid role with the freedom to work from home and travel across Australia

Leading an experienced and established team of event professionals

Direct access to the CEO and the opportunity to contribute to the delivery of our organisational strategy

Ownership of nationally recognised conferences, exhibitions, and industry events

The autonomy and trust to challenge the status quo, improve processes and introduce new ideas

Opportunities to explore digitisation, AI, and innovative approaches to event delivery

A supportive, collaborative team culture where your contribution genuinely makes a difference

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role calls for a recognised Events Expert as the go‑to person when it comes to delivering exceptional events, and a genuine leader who inspires, develops, and empowers those around them.

Forming part of WIOA’s Leadership Team alongside the CEO and the Manager – Relationship & Partnerships, this role is for an experienced people and Events Manager. You will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all association events. The role has a strong hands‑on focus, particularly in delivering our three state conferences in 2027 across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales. There is also an ambition to expand to a one‑day conference in Western Australia, plus Interest and Super Interest Days in all other States and Territories.

This role requires a strategic thinker to ensure business operations are efficient, streamlined, and aligned with organisational goals. (Approximately 70% operational and 30% Strategic). The ideal candidate will have a passion for event management, experience using EventsAir or similar events management platforms, exceptional organisational skills, and the ability to lead and inspire an established events team of two.

You will be someone who:

Is an experienced events professional with a proven track record of delivering high‑quality conferences, exhibitions, and stakeholder experience

Puts members, our partners and event attendees at the centre of every decision

Has strong people leadership skills and enjoys mentoring, coaching, and developing others

Can confidently balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational delivery

Brings energy, initiative, and a solutions‑focused mindset to every challenge

Is highly organised, with excellent project, stakeholder, time, and budget management skills

Enjoys creating systems, documenting processes, and driving continuous improvement

Is comfortable challenging the status quo and identifying smarter ways of working

Takes ownership, follows through on commitments, and leads by example

Thrives in a role that is approximately 70% operational and 30% strategic

Most importantly, we are looking for an event guru who knows what excellence looks like, and a true leader who can bring people with them on the journey. Someone who is equally comfortable setting the direction, supporting their team, and rolling up their sleeves to ensure every event is a success.

This role is predominately work from home, when travel is not required, and we offer flexibility around home commitments.

WHAT DOES OUR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE LOOK LIKE?

A minimum of 5 years events management experience

Previous experience using EventsAir or similar event management platform (eg. Cvent) is essential

Proven experience in event planning and operations management, preferably in a leadership role

Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure

Availability for state and interstate travel and can work flexible hours

A vehicle license

Based anywhere in Australia and lives within access to a major airport

Be an Australian citizen

BONUS POINTS FOR:

Previous experience working in an association or not for profit

Exposure to Infrastructure, Utilities or Water Industry

To see how this role will support our association, have a look at the highlight reel from our 2026 Victorian Conference & Exhibition below.

Please note: We reserve the right to close applications early and commence interviews prior to these dates should a suitable candidate be identified. Early applications are highly encouraged.

Applications close COB on Monday, 5th October 2026

Shortlisted candidates will need to be available for an interview from Monday, 12th October 2026

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as an events manager?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?