Are you an experienced events professional who loves bringing people together and creating exceptional experiences?

Do you thrive on the challenge of delivering complex conferences and events, balancing big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail?

Looking for a role where you can take ownership, contribute your ideas and work with a talented team delivering events that make an impact?

Ready to bring your events expertise to a thriving, critical sector that underpins Australia's prosperity, resilience and liveability?

Heart Talent is delighted to partner with the Australian Water Association (AWA) — the peak body for Australia's water sector — as it enters an exciting new chapter.

With a new five-year strategy setting clear direction for the water community and a vision for a sustainable water future, there's real momentum behind growing AWA's reach and impact, making this an exciting time to join the organisation.

As AWA evolves to become a catalyst for system-wide change, its events play a critical role in connecting people, sharing knowledge, building capability and inspiring collaboration across the water sector and beyond.

This is an opportunity to join an established, high-performing events team and take ownership of a diverse portfolio of premium events with national and international reach.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

- permanent, full time role
- Chatswood office
- hybrid working — 3 days in office/2 days WFH
- salary packaging benefits to boost take home pay
- novated leasing for vehicles
- join a respected brand in a critical sector
- connect, educate and engage a national professional community
- work with an experienced and supportive team with a solid reputation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Head of Events, you'll lead the end-to-end delivery of conferences, dinners, award ceremonies, webinars and other member and industry events,



working across the full event lifecycle from program development and planning through to delivery and evaluation.

You'll work closely with members, committees, speakers, sponsors and internal teams to create engaging, high-quality experiences that deliver genuine value while meeting commercial and strategic objectives.

You'll also play a key role in the delivery of Ozwater, AWA's flagship annual event, and provide guidance and support to other members of the events team.

This is a senior, hands-on role with plenty of autonomy, complexity and variety. You'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas, identify new opportunities and help shape how AWA delivers its face-to-face, digital and hybrid events into the future.

Key responsibilities

- independently manage the end-to-end delivery of a diverse portfolio of national and state-based conferences and events
- lead event planning, program development, timelines, budgets, venues, suppliers, registrations and logistics
- work with committees, members and subject matter experts to develop relevant, engaging programs and technical content
- manage relationships with sponsors, speakers, partners and other stakeholders
- collaborate with the events team on the planning and delivery of Ozwater
- work closely with marketing and other internal teams to support event promotion, attendance and engagement
- manage event budgets, financial performance, KPIs and post-event reporting
- identify new business opportunities and ways to enhance event delivery,



commercial outcomes and the member experience
- provide leadership, guidance and support to other members of the events team
- deputise for the Head of Events when required

ABOUT YOU

You're an experienced event professional with a strong track record delivering complex conferences and events.

Highly organised, proactive and commercially aware, you're equally comfortable managing the detail, navigating competing priorities and building relationships with senior stakeholders.

You're a natural collaborator who brings a positive, solutions-focused approach and takes pride in delivering exceptional experiences.

We’d love you to bring:

- at least 5 years' experience in a similar role
- demonstrated experience managing conferences and complex, multi-stream events from concept through to evaluation
- strong project management, planning, budgeting and supplier management capability
- experience working with committees, speakers, sponsors and senior stakeholders
- excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- ability to manage multiple events, competing priorities and tight deadlines
- confidence with event technology, including digital and hybrid event delivery
- commercial awareness and an ability to identify opportunities for growth and improvement
- a collaborative, service-focused approach and willingness to support and guide colleagues
- qualifications in event management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

While water or association sector experience is not a prerequisite, you have a genuine interest in doing work that matters in a purpose-driven organisation.

You’ll also be comfortable with the flexibility and travel required to deliver events across Australia.

INTERESTED?

Heart Talent is committed to responding to every applicant.

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📌 Senior Event Manager — Australian Water Association (City of Willoughby)
🏢 Heart Talent
📍 City of Willoughby