Agreements, Aboriginal Partnerships & Engagement Team Leader

• Lead the future of Aboriginal Heritage, Native Title and partnership outcomes across the state
• Lead a specialist team delivering expert advice on Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title matters
• Permanent opportunity based in Leederville, salary of $155,648 plus 12% Super

This position is advertised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our customers and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Australians are encouraged to apply.

Lead meaningful partnerships. Shape impactful outcomes.

About the role 

Water Corporation is seeking a highly experienced and motivated leader to head our Agreements, Aboriginal Partnerships & Engagement team within the Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title Business Unit.

In this pivotal role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the negotiation, implementation and governance of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage agreements, while embedding strong, culturally informed partnerships with Aboriginal stakeholders across Western Australia.

As Team Leader, you’ll manage a specialist team delivering ILUAs, Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage agreements, while building strong, long-term partnerships with Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.

Who are we?

When you join Water Corporation, you play an important role for the people of WA. Our services are essential for life - everyday, millions of Western Australians rely on us to deliver and manage water across our state.

If you’re driven to make a meaningful contribution, you’ve come to the right place.

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, 9-day fortnight, flexible work hours
• Two well-being days each year to do whatever you need to do to feel good
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Take advantage of our co-contribution superannuation scheme. Receive a 12% employer contribution and enjoy an additional 2% employer co-contribution when you elect to salary sacrifice 2%. 
• Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave of up to 5 days so you can maintain your cultural connection and wellbeing.   

Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.

What the role will involve

Aboriginal Heritage & Native Title Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering strategic advice, ensuring compliance with legislation, policy and agreement obligations.
• Integrate Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title considerations into projects and operational planning across the Corporation.
• Provide strategic direction and contribute to key organisational initiatives, programs and projects.

Strategic Partnerships & Engagement

• Build and strengthen long-term partnerships with Traditional Owners, RNTBCs, PBCs and Aboriginal organisations.
• Lead culturally appropriate engagement practices and embed partnership principles across business units.
• Position the Corporation as a trusted, respectful and credible partner.

Agreements & Native Title Management

• Oversee the negotiation, implementation and governance of:
• Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs)
• Native Title agreements
• Aboriginal Heritage agreements
• Ensure agreements are legally robust, culturally informed and aligned with legislation and corporate frameworks.
• Manage the full agreement lifecycle, including risk, compliance, reporting and performance.

Commercial Partnerships & Cultural Initiatives

• Provide leadership on Aboriginal commercial partnerships including procurement, employment pathways and economic development.
• Oversee cultural landscaping and place-based initiatives that embed Aboriginal cultural values into projects and assets.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and improvement across systems, processes and team delivery models.

About you

Essential Criteria

• Degree qualification in Law, Anthropology, Archaeology or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage legislation, processes and agreement management.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams.
• Significant experience working with Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in Aboriginal economic development and commercial partnerships.
• Experience within government, utilities or infrastructure sectors.
• Familiarity with spatial/mapping systems.

Ready to thrive as you shape WA’s water future? Apply today

If you are ready to lead, influence and make a difference, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role. 

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.  

Applications close Wednesday 15th July 2026 

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date. 

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: 

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at recruitment@watercorporation.com.au or 08 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website.