Manager RD&I Research chez Yarra Valley Water

Position overview

• Permanent, Full-Time opportunity
• True hybrid working – work from home and our Mitcham office
• $166,650 Total Remuneration Package (inclusive of 12% superannuation)

The Role
This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to shape its direction and drive innovation across Yarra Valley Water. As the Manager of RD&I, you’ll lead the development of the research and innovation ecosystem to align with current and future strategic priorities.

You’ll act as the central point for RD&I, fostering a strong internal innovation culture, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and managing budgets to deliver high-impact outcomes. With direct exposure to the Executive team, you'll have the autonomy to shape projects, influence strategic decisions, and help define the future direction of the portfolio.

About us
We’re on a mission to create a brighter future, where you can be a change maker at the actual source. We’re one of Australia’s largest water utilities with over 30% of Victoria’s population relying on us for their essential water and sanitation services.

Our award-winning culture fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment that enables our people to thrive. Here, you’ll be inspired and challenged to grow alongside us.

We're committed to reconciliation and supporting the self-determined role for Traditional Owners/Custodians in water and land management.

Your key responsibilities

• Act as the central point of contact and ‘custodian of innovation’ at Yarra Valley Water, leading RD&I engagement across staff, industry and stakeholders.
• Establish and chair a Community of Practice to foster a culture of innovation and align RD&I initiatives with strategic business outcomes.
• Identify and prioritise research needs by collaborating with business units and executives and develop a forward-looking R&D plan.
• Build and maintain partnerships with universities, research bodies and industry associations to leverage expertise and secure funding opportunities.
• Oversee RD&I project governance, including budget management, scope control and alignment with organisational goals.
• Support and guide internal teams in delivering impactful RD&I projects, while ensuring outcomes are embedded into operations and strategy.
• Communicate research impact through executive reporting, dashboards and external knowledge sharing to elevate Yarra Valley Water’s RD&I profile.

What we’re looking for

• Qualifications in Science, Engineering, Behavioural Science, Business and/or related field - Mandatory
• Proven experience in senior innovation or research leadership roles
• Track record of independently delivering R&D and innovation projects
• Strong proficiency across the entire strategic research lifecycle, including briefing, research design, analysis and insight presentation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver compelling and impactful presentations
• Advanced project management capabilities, including stakeholder engagement, timeline coordination and budget oversight
• Demonstrated ability to align stakeholder needs, strategic goals and financial constraints to design and deliver high impact research
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organisation and with external partners
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively, fostering positive relationships across teams

To view the full position description, click HERE.

Why Yarra Valley Water?
We celebrate and encourage new thinking at every level. Creating opportunities for you to grow – both professionally, and personally. When you flourish, we all do.

• $166,650 TRP inclusive of 12% superannuation
• Flexible working arrangements where our people are empowered to design their days with their team. Read our hybrid playbook HERE.
• Free and secure on-site parking with on-site café at our Mitcham office
• 14 weeks paid leave parental leave
• 15 days paid personal leave, which can be used for caring, wellbeing, mental health, menstrual or menopause
• Request to swap certain public holidays for another day of paid leave

To read more about our benefits and culture, read our employee handbook HERE.

Did you know?
Research shows that men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised people tend to only apply when they meet all of them. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily tick every box, please apply or get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.

How to apply
Applications should include a supporting Cover Letter and Resume. 
Closing date: Thursday, 23^rd October 2025
This position is available for Yarra Valley Water employees and external applicants.

We welcome applications from everyone, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature age and young job seekers, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people of all cultural backgrounds. If you need this information in an accessible format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please call 03 9872 2542 or email [email protected]. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss the recruitment process, please contact us via email [email protected].

Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks, if required for the position. This may also include a Police Check or AusCheck, where an offer will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of these checks.