Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 846832
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

The Department for Energy and Mining is committed to building a diverse and flexible culture. We encourage and welcome all applications from women, diverse community groups and ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.

About the Opportunity:
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Principal Industry Development Officer (ASO8) to join the Northern Water Commercial Unit within the Department for Energy and Mining on a 12-month contract.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a high impact, time bound role delivering key commercial and strategic outcomes for the Northern Water Project, a nationally significant initiative focused on securing a climate resilient water supply to unlock South Australia’s future mining and industrial growth.

You will work at the forefront of complex commercial negotiations, governance design and investment strategy, playing a key role in establishing a new operating entity and driving outcomes toward Final Investment Decision within a critical delivery window.

Key Duties:

• Provide high level strategic and commercial advice to support project delivery.
• Lead and contribute to the establishment of a new operating entity, including governance frameworks and documentation.
• Coordinate and support commercial negotiations, including water offtake agreements.
  Undertake commercial and financial analysis and support risk assessment activities.
• Prepare high quality briefings and advice for Executive and Ministerial stakeholders.
• Collaborate across government, industry and project partners to ensure aligned delivery outcomes.
• Contribute to business cases, funding proposals and investment strategies.
• Manage commercially sensitive information in line with probity requirements.

About us:
The Department for Energy and Mining leads the global transformation economy, overseeing the responsible mining and production of the minerals, metals and fuels of the future to safely and sustainably generate low carbon energy solutions.

The Northern Water Commercial Unit sits at the centre of South Australia’s next wave of growth, delivering the commercial framework for a sustainable water supply that supports world class copper production and regional development.

What we Offer:

• A 12-month contract contributing to a once in a generation infrastructure project.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A values driven organisation committed to safety, integrity and excellence.
• Flexible work arrangements including hybrid working options.
• Adelaide CBD location.
• Active people and culture programs including Employee Assistance Program and inclusion initiatives.
• A White Ribbon Accredited workplace promoting gender equality.

Key selection criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to provide high quality advice to senior decision makers.
• Strong commercial acumen including experience in negotiations or market engagement.
• Experience in strategic or commercial analysis and developing business cases or initiatives.
• High level communication and stakeholder engagement skills in complex environments.

Qualifications:

Essential: Relevant tertiary qualification in commerce, economics, engineering, science, project management, public policy or similar.

Remuneration:
ASO8 classification
Salary range $130,046 to $134,956 per annum plus superannuation
12 Month Contract
Full-time role (37.5 hours a week)

Special conditions:

• This is a term vacancy up to 12 months.
• Some out of hours work may be required.
• Appointment subject to a satisfactory National Police Check.
• Flexible work arrangements available.
• Must adhere to the Public Sector Act 2009 and Department for Energy and Mining ethical standards.

Enquiries:
Joelle Hentschke
Project Administrator
joelle.hentschke@sa.gov.au

Application Instructions
Applicants are required to submit a current CV and a written application of no more than two pages addressing the key selection criteria. Three current referees are required.

Applications close: 12/07/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- ASO8 Principal Industry Development Officer P68650 May 2026.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.