Manager Water Strategy and Coordination

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; City Of Joondalup; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in Western Australia is seeking a highly capable leader to join the Climate and Sustainability Portfolio as Manager Water Strategy and Coordination. This is a senior role coordinating policy, planning and reform across WA’s water sector, working with executives, government partners and stakeholders to translate priorities into actionable outcomes.

You will oversee strategic advice, ministerial briefings, submissions and intergovernmental

Job description

The Opportunity

Join Us in Shaping Western Australia's Future At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we’re not just hiring, we’re building the future. As Western Australia embarks on a bold agenda to remain the strongest economy in the nation, we play a critical role in delivering on government priorities: supporting sustainable development across the state, enabling renewable energy, protecting our environment, and securing our water future. We are an influential and future-focused organisation, working at the intersection of science, policy, and community. We’re guided by good science, cultural knowledge, and a values-based culture that reflects who we are and how we go about our work. If you're driven to make a real impact, whether it's supporting industry transformation, driving innovation in environmental regulation, enabling clean energy, or restoring waterways we invite you to bring your talent, your ideas, and your commitment to a team that’s delivering for today and planning for tomorrow. Be part of something bigger. Be part of DWER. We care | We build trust | Better together | Open minds | We serve to make a difference Find out more about us by visiting our website at www.dwer.wa.gov.au

Coordinate strategic water policy and reform in Western Australia The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is seeking a highly capable and influential leader to join the Climate and Sustainability Portfolio as Manager Water Strategy and Coordination. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in coordinating the strategic direction of water policy, planning and reform across Western Australia. Working closely with the Water Senior Leadership team, other senior executives and key stakeholders, you will provide leadership and coordination on complex and high-profile water issues, ensuring government priorities are translated into effective policy, regulatory and operational outcomes. As the Manager Water Strategy and Coordination, you will support the integration of priority work across the Water Directorate and broader Department, bringing together policy, planning, scientific and operational expertise to support informed decision-making. You will oversee the development of strategic advice, ministerial briefings, submissions and correspondence on significant water matters, while ensuring a consistent and coordinated approach to emerging issues, reform initiatives and intergovernmental priorities. Success in this role will require sound judgement, strong strategic thinking and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries. You will work collaboratively with Commonwealth and State agencies, local government, industry, Aboriginal organisations and other key partners to progress priorities and deliver outcomes that support the sustainable management of Western Australia's water resources. Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, together with an understanding of public sector governance, accountability and legislative frameworks relevant to water policy and regulation.

At the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, we are committed to fostering a modern workplace that supports flexibility, collaboration, and wellbeing. Our flexible work arrangements include options for alternative work locations and adaptable schedules, designed to accommodate a variety of professional and personal needs. We recognise that effective work can happen in different settings, and our approach reflects this, enabling staff to contribute meaningfully while maintaining balance and resilience. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported and valued. We recognise the unique skills, perspectives and experiences that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women and young people bring to our workforce, and we encourage applications from these groups. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Join us and be part of a department that values innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of work. For further information about the opportunity, we encourage you to contact Jason Moynihan on 08 6364 7549 or via email [e-mail] during business hours.

Vacancies may be full-time or part-time, permanent or fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency in a variety of metropolitan and regional locations.

CLOSING DATE: 4pm Friday 13 November 2026 (Australian Western Standard Time) Applications that are in progress or submitted after the closing time will not be accepted.