Risk DirectorHybrid

• Contribute to delivering multibillion-dollar water infrastructure programs, offering long-term involvement in complex, large-scale projects.
• Join a leading client organisation which is one of Australia’s largest deliverers of major infrastructure projects, shaping transformative water solutions.
• Work on world-class projects right here in Sydney, no airmiles required! Enjoy the flexibility of working hours to suit your needs.

Who we are:

Sydney Water is undertaking a 10-year multibillion dollar Infrastructure program to renew, expand & build infrastructure to support a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient water network for Sydney’s growing population. We provide safe drinking, recycled, wastewater, and stormwater services with a focus on reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. As a state-owned corporation, we prioritize customers and communities.

About the role:

The Risk Director leads the approach to risk management across Infrastructure Delivery. The role ensures risks are identified, owned, and actively managed by project teams and delivery partners, supported by lean governance, systems, and tools. It provides Infrastructure Delivery leadership with clear visibility of overall risk exposure, early insights on emerging threats, and options for mitigation. The role also reviews the current team and practices, ensuring Infrastructure Delivery operates with a fit-for-purpose and efficient model. By teaching, enabling, and embedding capability in project leaders, the Risk Director ensures risk management is consistent, value-adding, and aligned with Sydney Water’s enterprise risk framework.

Extensive experience in risk management for major construction and infrastructure projects is essential. Candidates with experience limited to IT, finance, or banking will NOT meet the role criteria.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and lead a high-performing risk function, embedding consistent risk management practices across all projects and programs.
• Provide assurance and actionable insights to senior leadership on risk exposure, emerging trends, and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee governance of risk registers, controls, and compliance with Sydney Water’s enterprise frameworks and regulatory obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement through stakeholder engagement, lessons learned, and alignment with internal and external risk standards.
• Lead and develop a specialist team, fostering a culture of shared accountability and proactive risk management across Infrastructure Delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Relevant qualifications in program/project management, engineering, or a related technical discipline, with business or management experience.
• Leadership experience in risk management for major infrastructure programs, including embedding frameworks and assurance processes.
• Expertise in quantitative risk analysis (cost and schedule), Monte Carlo simulation, and integration with project controls.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to provide senior leaders clear, actionable insights and drive cultural change.
• Professional certifications (IRM, PMI-RMP, AIPM) and experience in regulated sectors such as water or utilities are highly desirable.

Essential Requirements:  

• Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check and a medical assessment either online or in person.  
• You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of submitting your application to be considered for this role. 

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

Closing Date: Monday 1st December at 11:59 PM AEST

Dive into Our Great Benefits! 

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 
• Employee Networks: We proudly offer and support Employee Led networks, such as Women of Water, Pride, First Nations and Disability & Neurodiversity Networks 
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success in the direction you desire. 
• 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 generous 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. 

We want to ensure you feel supported and informed throughout every step of our recruitment process. Please advise if you require any adjustments to actively participate in the application and recruitment process. Please contact deirbhile.neary@sydneywater.com.au for any further information.

Working at Sydney Water 

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.  

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.  

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms,Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.