• Lead a values-driven organisation at the forefront of rural water management
• Shape the sustainable future of communities, industries and agribusiness
• Opportunity to drive innovation, strategy, performance and sustainable growth
Southern Rural Water (SRW) manages irrigation networks, major water storages and groundwater across a vast and diverse footprint covering almost 40 per cent of Victoria. Working at the heart of regional and agricultural communities, SRW helps sustain local livelihoods, supports food and fibre production, and plays a critical role in strengthening long-term water security across the state. With more than $2 billion in assets and a workforce of around 170 people, SRW is in a major period of transformation. The organisation is shifting from a traditional service provider to a service enabler, modernising how it operates, embracing innovation and building the agility needed to respond to rapid change across agribusiness, investment, technology and the broader economy. This evolution ensures SRW continues as a strategically important organisation for Victoria’s future.
Southern Rural Water is seeking a Managing Director (MD) who will deliver the vision, enabling strategy at the right pace and achieving the purpose collaboratively with the community for this exciting and important period of change. Reporting to a highly engaged and committed Board, the MD will provide visible, inclusive and values-led leadership, setting clear strategic direction and driving strong organisational performance. The MD will be accountable for balancing the delivery of high-quality customer outcomes with financial sustainability, environmental stewardship and robust regulatory compliance, while ensuring SRW remains adaptable and future focused.
A key outcome for the MD will be to lead SRW’s digital and organisational transformation, including modernising systems and services, strengthening data-led decision-making, and embedding contemporary ways of working to enable smarter, faster and more informed outcomes. The MD will guide the organisation to build future-ready capability, invest in workforce development, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability. As a result, SRW will be well-positioned to respond to climate pressures, evolving community expectations and the increasing complexity of the water sector.
Working closely with a high-performing executive team, the MD will strengthen and develop trusted relationships across government, industry, Traditional Owner groups and regional communities. They will represent SRW with credibility and influence in Ministerial and departmental forums, contributing to policy development, delivering on funding outcomes and collaborating on sector-wide initiatives. Your experience and organisational leadership will play a key role in advancing SRW’s long-term strategic objectives and reinforcing the business’ reputation in the sector.
To be successful in this role you will be a respected and contemporary executive leader, with extensive experience gained in complex, asset-intensive or service delivery environments. You will bring strong commercial acumen, and a proven track record of leading transformation in dynamic and challenging contexts. Known for your collaborative and inclusive leadership style, you are committed to developing people, building organisational capability and delivering positive, sustainable outcomes for regional communities, customers and the environment.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/2mxscvf3
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Seamus Scanlon at 0455 118 868 or Natahsa Diamond at 0412 822 348.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
