Water, Environment and Society Leader NSW

Brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things 

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, defence and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it. 

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future. 

With over a century of global water management expertise, Mott MacDonald has delivered some of the world’s most impactful water, wastewater, irrigation, drainage, and flood protection projects. Across our Water, Environment & Society market, we tackle sustainability and climate challenges through a holistic approach built on six core pillars, uniting environmental and social responsibility. We design sustainable solutions, strengthen communities, and invest in people - shaping resilient futures worldwide.

Due to growth in our business and a pipeline of exciting projects, we are currently seeking a Water, Environment & Society Market Lead for our Sydney office.

Your Opportunity

In this senior leadership role, you will drive strategic direction, market influence and operational performance for the Water, Environment & Society team. You will:

• Set the direction for our water, environment and society work by turning company goals into clear actions that help us grow, make a difference, and get real results.
• Use your knowledge of the market to help guide important business choices, investments, and long-term plans across Australia.
• Lead the way in growing our market share and making sure we’re hitting our revenue and profit targets, both locally and nationally, while keeping things sustainable.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with key people in government, industry, clients, and partners, making sure our business is seen as a trusted expert.

• Monitor policy, regulatory, environmental, and competitive changes to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.

• Support and motivate senior leaders, making sure everyone’s clear on what we’re aiming for and working together smoothly.
• Help leaders grow and plan for the future by finding new talent and building up the skills we need in the long run.
• Create a work culture that values accountability, teamwork, fresh ideas, and always delivering our best.

• Oversee project efficiency, client satisfaction, resource allocation, and financial management.

 About You

You are a strategic, people‑centred leader who brings commercial acumen, strong market presence and a passion for delivering outstanding outcomes. You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or related field
• Proven leadership experience in Water, Environment and Society Market or a closely aligned sector.
• Strong ability to translate strategy into practical action, with a track record of delivering measurable results.
• Deep understanding of the market landscape, trends, challenges and opportunities.
• Demonstrated capability in building trusted relationships with clients, stakeholders, partners and industry bodies.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams with an emphasis on coaching, development and uplifting capability.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds high‑performance, accountable and engaged teams.
• Strong commercial and operational skills, including business planning, financial oversight and performance management.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with the ability to navigate complexity and drive positive change.

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

Culture & Benefits  

Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.  

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:  

• Agile working environment, supporting our people to work flexibly 
• Discretionary Group and Personal Performance Bonuses for eligible employees
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more 
• Annual Health Checks and ongoing professional development  

You’ve got this!  

We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees including the opportunity for part time and job shared roles where possible. If you are interested in this role and looking for a part time permanent opportunity, please apply! #LI-GB1