Principal Civil Engineer

Mott MacDonald; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile work

Insurance

Inclusive groups

Health checks

Extra leave

Job summary

Mott MacDonald in Adelaide is seeking an Infrastructure Advisor with strong water sector experience to lead strategic advisory engagements for SA Water and other utilities.

You will shape investment programs, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high‑quality outputs while building relationships with government and client executives.

The role combines systems thinking, commercial acumen, and deep infrastructure expertise to deliver resilient, community‑focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Economics, Planning, Project Management, Business or related discipline.
• Approx. 8+ years relevant experience in infrastructure planning, advisory, design, or program delivery.
• Experience working with SA Water, DIT, or other major utilities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex advisory engagements, business cases, or large integrated programs.
• Extensive experience in infrastructure advisory, planning, engineering, or program management in a consulting or government environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of infrastructure strategies, network planning, and digital solutions for SA Water and other national water utilities.
• Oversee multicriteria assessments, risk-based prioritisation, and asset planning.
• Act as a senior point of contact for SA Water and other national water utilities, shaping scopes, managing engagements, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Facilitate workshops, executive briefings, gateway reviews, design assurance activities, and stakeholder consultations.
• Build strong relationships with client executives, senior project directors, and government decision-makers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop advisory staff across planning, economics, engineering, commercial, and project management disciplines.

Skills

Infrastructure advisory

Client relationship management

Bid leadership

Executive communication

Project governance

Education

Engineering

Economics

Planning

Project Management

Business

Job description

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Together, we open opportunities with our connected thinking.

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a national and global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.

Due to strong growth and recent wins in the Water space in South Australia, we are seeking an Infrastructure Advisor, with experience in the water sector, to join our team in Adelaide.

As a Principal Infrastructure Advisor at Mott MacDonald, you will provide senior strategic, technical, and commercial advice to support the planning, prioritisation, and delivery of major infrastructure programs across South Australia. With a focus onkey clients including SA Water and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), you will shape investment decisions, lead multidisciplinary teams, deliver high‑quality advisory outputs, and strengthen Mott MacDonald’s position as a trusted partner for government‑owned utilities.

The role combines systems thinking, strong commercial acumen, deep infrastructure expertise, and a collaborative consulting mindset to deliver sustainable, resilient, and community focused‑ outcomes.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead development of infrastructure strategies, network planning, and digital solutions for SA Water and other national water utilities.
• Oversee multicriteria assessments, risk‑ based prioritisation, ‑asset planning and development of digital solutions.
• Act as a senior point of contact for SA Water and other national water utilities, shaping scopes, managing engagements, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Facilitate workshops, executive briefings, gateway reviews, design assurance activities, and stakeholder consultations.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with client executives, senior project directors, and government decision‑makers.
• Lead, mentor, and develop advisory staff across planning, economics, engineering, commercial, and project management disciplines.

About you

• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Economics, Planning, Project Management, Business or related discipline.
• Approx. 8+ years relevant experience in infrastructure planning, advisory, design, or program delivery.
• Experience working in or withSA Water, DIT, or other major utilities.
• Demonstrated success leading complex advisory engagements, business cases, or large integrated programs.
• Extensive experience in infrastructure advisory, planning, engineering, or program management in a consulting or government environment.
• Strong understanding ofwater and wastewater networks and treatment, asset management, regulatory processes, and capital planning preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to lead bids, proposals, and commercial negotiations preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including executive writing and high‑impact presentation abilities.

Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work‑life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• Agile working environment, supporting our people to work flexibly
• Life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more
• Annual Health Checks and ongoing professional development
• Ability to purchase additional leave

You’ve got this!

We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, #LI-MB1