Technical Director - Water

GHD; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 230,000 - 330,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD’s multidisciplinary Water team in Adelaide is seeking a Technical Director – Water to shape and assure the delivery of resilient, innovative water and wastewater solutions across South Australia and beyond, while partnering with clients to set direction, manage risk, and grow capability.

With a strong project pipeline, the role offers the opportunity to lead technical direction across a diverse portfolio—from treatment facilities to networks and storage systems—for major public and private

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering plus 15+ years in water infrastructure design, delivery or advisory roles.
• Eligible for Engineers Australia membership; chartership desirable.
• Deep technical knowledge across water and wastewater treatment, distribution and network systems.
• Proven experience leading design and/or project management in engineering consulting or with government.
• Strong experience with investigation, construction phase services, HSE and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and coordinate resources on diverse water projects.
• Act as Technical Director/Reviewer for design and delivery of water treatment facilities, pump stations and networks.
• Lead integrated water management, climate resilience and circular economy initiatives.
• Build senior client relationships, lead pursuits, and contribute to proposals and risk management.
• Provide visible leadership, mentoring and coaching to uplift capability and succession.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Water infrastructure design

Client relationship management

Project management

Regulatory compliance

HSE knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil or Mechanical)

Job description

The importance of water to the health of our world can’t be overstated.

As the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and storms increases, the water industry must continue to build resiliency and lead from the front.

Together with our clients, we are thinking and doing things differently to help pre-empt and prepare for what's next. Be a part of this dynamic and committed team of diverse water specialists and drive change for your community.

Who are we looking for?

We’re seeking a Technical Director – Water to join GHD’s multidisciplinary Water team in Adelaide. In this key role, you will shape and assure the delivery of resilient, innovative water and wastewater solutions across South Australia and beyond, while partnering with clients to set direction, manage risk, and grow our capability.

With a strong pipeline of work and projected growth, this role offers the opportunity to lead technical direction across a diverse portfolio of water and wastewater treatment, networks, and broader water infrastructure projects, ranging from small to large scale, for major public and private clients.

Leveraging your expertise in business development and client relationship management, coupled with advanced technical skills, you will deliver impactful solutions while actively contributing to strategic planning and multidisciplinary design initiatives.

This diverse and exciting position will see you working on national and international projects, and involved in:

• Providing technical leadership, strategic advice, and coordination of resources on a diverse range of projects in the water sector.


• Acting as Technical Director/Reviewer on the design and delivery of water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, pipelines, and storage systems, ensuring fit for purpose outcomes and compliance.


• Leading and championing integrated water management, climate resilience, and circular economy initiatives, translating strategy into practical project solutions.


• Building and sustaining senior client relationships, leading key pursuits, and contributing to proposals, reports, and technical assessments, including scope definition, resourcing, fees, and risk.


• Providing visible leadership, mentoring and technical coaching, uplifting capability and succession, and role modelling GHD's values.


• Leading multidisciplinary integration and coordination with related disciplines (including geotechnical and construction services) to manage interfaces, risk and quality across the project lifecycle.

What you’ll bring:

• Bachelor of Engineering Degree (Civil or Mechanical) or higher qualifications with 15+ years’ relevant experience in water infrastructure design, delivery and/or advisory roles (including responsibility for technical governance and/or technical assurance).


• Eligibility for Engineers Australia membership (Chartership desirable).


• Deep technical knowledge across the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment systems, water distribution and sewerage networks, and broader water infrastructure.


• Proven experience leading design and/or project management within an engineering consulting environment and/or directly with state government clients, including senior stakeholder engagement and advisory input.


• Strong experience with investigation and construction phase services, including technical assurance, HSE and an understanding of water quality, regulatory compliance, and asset management practices.


• Proven client leadership experience, ideally including account growth and work winning with government and/or major private sector clients.


• Well-developed commercial, risk management and communication skills, with the ability to make sound technical decisions and provide clear direction.


• A collaborative, client focused mindset with the credibility to influence outcomes, develop people, and build high performing teams.

For the right candidate, we will consider a part-time appointment.

GHD is an equal opportunity employer, and we want everyone to be able to fully participate in our recruitment process. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

GHD embraces a range of flexible work practices to create a work environment focused on well‑being, flexibility and productivity where our people can thrive.

About Us

Come together and make a meaningful impact. We bring our people together to create something bigger and solve some of the world's most complex problems. Come and experience the power of commitment and see strategy and ideas come to life when you join GHD. Let's drive real change. Our Pledge to You
At GHD, we don't just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day. That's why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today. See where your commitment could take you.
That's the #PowerOfCommitment Who we are
GHD is a global professional services company that leads through engineering, architecture, and construction expertise. We are an employee-owned company with over 11,000 diverse and skilled individuals, across more than 200 offices spanning five continents.
The Power of Commitment is our brand promise. It's what makes us different. We are bound to our stated vision and determination to address humanity's most urgent needs: to make water, energy and urbanisation sustainable for generations to come.

Job Info

• Job Identification 25886


• Job Category Engineering


• Locations 211 Victoria Square, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, AU