Program Lead - Treatment Planning

Purpose-Driven Team: Join a passionate team committed to making Sydney Water more sustainable and climate-resilient. Lead key programs including Resilient and Reliable Water Supply which will shape water security for Sydney Water’s long-term strategy.Based from our Parramatta office with hybrid working available

About the Role

Sydney Water is recruiting a Program Lead to join our dynamic Treatment Planning Team within System Planning & Land Acquisition. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated professional to lead one of our water and wastewater treatment planning teams of energetic municipal water treatment professionals.

As leader of the team, you will collaborate across the enterprise including Strategy, Operations, Design Development, Infrastructure Delivery and Investment Assurance. You work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where we embrace innovation and sustainability, enabling you to make a direct impact on the resilience of our community and the long-term environmental health of our region.

Extensive experience in municipal water and/or wastewater process design or operations is essential. Candidates with experience limited to scheduling, such as Primavera P6, will NOT meet the role criteria

Key Responsibilities

Manage and mentor your direct reports of water and wastewater treatment process engineering specialists Develop long-term investment and risk mitigation strategies for your portfolio of water resource recovery facilities, drinking water filtration plants, recycled water and Purified Recycled Water (PRW) facilities to meet growth, regulatory and climate change drivers. Lead treatment plant Process Capability Assessments, analysing process performance data, quantifying current performance and developing adaptive plans for future investments to account for uncertainty with growth forecasts, community expectations and regulatory settings. Optimise investment plans to ensure value for money for Sydney Water’s customersProvide expertise in integrated water cycle management and best-practice planning approaches. Drive innovative, sustainable solutions to minimise Sydney Water’s carbon footprint. Identify integration opportunities across systems, resources, and services to optimise performance. Coach and develop less experienced planners, supporting their growth and career development. Represent Sydney Water at industry peak bodies and promote its achievements.

About You

In addition to a degree qualification in Engineering, Science or a related discipline, most likely in (Chemical, Mechanical or Civil engineering) you will ideally have:

10 - 15 years’ experience, with demonstrated experience and skills in the development and management of integrated planning of municipal water, recycled water and wastewater facilities. You are considered a Subject Matter Expert in Municipal Water and/or Wastewater Treatment design or operations Strategic thinker with proven planning, influencing, negotiation and facilitation skills.Ability to optimise and present solutions based on different levels of risk, cost and performanceDemonstrated experience system-based planning, design and/or operations (minimum of 10 years)Excellent written and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to prepare advice and briefing notes to senior management.

Does this sound like you? Apply now. Closing date: 11.59 AEST on Sunday 30th August 2026

We support you through the application process and can modify as needed – let us know what you need. For more information, you can contact TA Partner marc.evans2@sydneywater.com.au

Please see the job profile for the role’s full accountabilities.

Why join us

At Sydney Water, your work will make a real difference in people’s lives—and your own. With diverse projects and roles, you'll find ample career growth opportunities. At Sydney Water, we actively seek and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and individuality., fostering a safe environment where everyone can thrive and shape impactful community projects. We offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression among our many benefits.

Dive into Our Great Benefits:

Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately.Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being.Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success.24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal.Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans.Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance.Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW.Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’s Terms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.