Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 852219
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 Director, Project Finance to join the Northern Water Commercial Unit and lead the strategic financial, commercial and economic functions for one of South Australia's most significant infrastructure initiatives.
Reporting to the Director, Northern Water Commercial Unit, you will provide authoritative financial, commercial and economic leadership to support delivery of the Northern Water Project. This role will drive financial strategy, oversee complex commercial and economic analysis, lead governance and reporting activities, and assess ownership and operating models that will shape the project's long term success.
As a trusted advisor to senior executives, Government and key stakeholders, you will provide high level strategic advice relating to funding strategies, commercial frameworks, investment considerations, economic impacts and financial risk management.

Key Duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies, funding approaches, and commercial frameworks to support delivery of the Northern Water Project through to Final Investment Decision.
• Provide authoritative financial, commercial, and economic advice to senior executives, Cabinet, and key stakeholders to support strategic Government decision making.
• Lead complex financial modelling, investment analysis, economic assessments, and commercial analysis to inform project and investment decisions.
• Lead the assessment and development of commercial delivery, ownership, and operating models, including Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) arrangements.
• Establish and oversee financial governance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, assurance, and financial risk management frameworks to support project delivery.
• Lead financial and commercial input into Cabinet submissions, budget submissions, ministerial briefings, Public Works Committee documentation and other strategic reports.
• Provide strategic leadership on project funding approaches, commercial frameworks and key commercial negotiations, including water offtake arrangements and other project agreements.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across government, industry, commercial advisers, and key stakeholders to support successful project outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high performing team while promoting sound governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

About us:
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) 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 the energy and low carbon products of the future.

Our low cost power, leading regulation system and culture of innovation is leading to the decarbonisation of industry, new modern manufacturing opportunities, increased employment and greater prosperity and security for the people of South Australia.

We particularly acknowledge the essential role that traditional Aboriginal people play in the energy and mining sector as land managers, heritage custodians, business owners and community leaders.

The Northern Water Commercial Unit (NWCU) sits at the heart of the Department for Energy and Mining's ambition to unlock South Australia's next wave of growth. A dynamic hub driving the
commercial and financial outcomes for the Northern Water Project, NWCU ensures the delivery of a climate resilient water supply to support world class copper production and regional development.

With a strong focus on strategic partnerships and rigorous governance, NWCU leads critical activities including water offtake agreements, bankability assessments, pricing frameworks, regulatory planning, and the establishment of project structures. Its commitment to excellence and innovation positions NWCU as the driving force behind DEM's vision for sustainable resource development, economic prosperity, and long term water security for northern South Australia.

What we offer:

• Enjoy opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth
• Be part of a values driven organisation committed to excellence, safety and integrity
• Flexible Work Arrangements – enjoy a balanced lifestyle with options for hybrid working and flexible hours
• Prime Location – Adelaide CBD, King William Street, close to public transport, shops and amenities
• Active People and Culture agenda – Employee Assistance Program, diversity and inclusion training and events, DEM social club and much more
• We are a White Ribbon Accredited workplace that promotes gender equality and a zero tolerance of violence in the workplace

Key Selection Criteria:

Please only address the key dot points listed below in your application:

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic financial, commercial or economic advice within government, infrastructure, utilities, resources or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in financial strategy, commercial advisory, investment analysis or economic assessment relating to major infrastructure or complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience preparing or overseeing complex financial models, commercial assessments and strategic analysis to support government or infrastructure decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative financial and commercial advice within a complex, politically sensitive or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of commercial delivery models, project governance frameworks and infrastructure funding considerations.

Qualifications:
Essential: Relevant tertiary qualifications in finance, commerce, economics, accounting or a related discipline.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualifications such as an MBA, CPA, CA or equivalent.

Remuneration:
SAES1 Executive Salary Package
Full-time position

Special Conditions:
- All SAES roles are Term Roles
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Clearance.
- Intra-state, interstate and overseas travel may be required.
- The incumbent will participate in the department's performance review process.

Enquiries:
Joelle Hentschke
Project Administrator, Northern Water Commercial Unit
Email: [email protected]

Application Instructions:
Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and written application of no more than two pages, demonstrating their suitability for the role by addressing the key selection criteria above. Applicants are to include the name, address and contact number of three current referees.

All applicants are required to complete and submit the Employment Declaration.

Applications close: 19/08/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employement Declaration.pdf
- SAES1 Director Project Finance Jun 26 (005).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.