Director, People, Safety and Performance - Department for Environment and Water

SAES 1 | Shape Organisational Excellence | Influential Leadership Role

Our client, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) works to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. DEW’s work is critical to South Australia’s future social, environmental and economic prosperity and wellbeing. They aim to be a flexible, responsive and influential adviser to Government and deliver high-quality policy, programs and assets across their wide and diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a varied portfolio covering people, safety, performance and governance and accommodation and fleet for one of South Australia’s most diverse agencies and make a lasting impact on an organisation that serves communities across the state.

Reporting at executive level you will provide strategic leadership across people and culture, workforce safety and wellbeing, governance, risk, legal services, organisational improvement, fleet and facilities management. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping a workplace where people feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed. Leading a team of specialist experts, you'll drive workforce strategy, champion high performance and safety and provide trusted guidance on governance, risk and organisational change. Together, you'll deliver initiatives that strengthen the organisation and make a positive difference for employees and stakeholders.

You are a forward thinking, dynamic and influential leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills who thrives on complexity and knows how to turn vision into action. You bring a proven track record of leading large, multidisciplinary teams, navigating change and delivering measurable improvements in culture, governance and performance. Significant experience in a leadership role in a complex environment, supported by qualifications in an appropriate field (business, governance, management), or a related discipline is desirable.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape the future of a vital South Australian organisation, empowering people to thrive and delivering lasting impact for the community it serves.

As part of the recruitment process, a Government of South Australia Pre-Employment Declaration Form will need to be completed by every applicant. A member of our Stillwell Management Consultants’ team will be in contact with you once you have submitted a formal application to provide you with this document to complete.

Applications close at 11:00pm on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

Telephone enquiries to Nick Stillwell or Jacqui Graham are welcome on (+618) 8212 0999.

To apply, please submit your CV and a Cover Letter.