Business Leader, Water, QLD

Stantec’s Water team in Australia has an impressive portfolio of successful major projects that are already positively impacting our communities across the country. We know that finding solutions to our water issues is critical, and so our diverse network of 400+ water specialists in Australia collaborate across business lines and geographies to ensure the best outcomes are achieved. With exciting projects in the pipeline, we are looking to expand our teams and seek the change-makers, innovators, leaders and collaborators to join us. How will you impact Australia’s water solutions? Grow with us! H2O+U.

A pivotal leadership opportunity has emerged within Stantec’s Water Business Centre for an experienced and strategic Business Leader to guide our Queensland operations. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader who thrives on shaping high‑performing teams, driving operational excellence, and strengthening client relationships across a diverse and impactful portfolio.

About the role:

As the Business Leader, Water, QLD you will lead our Water business in Queensland, guiding the culture, strategic direction and performance of a region that plays a critical role in Stantec’s national Water business. Reporting to the Regional Director, you’ll lead a team of 160 professionals across the state, whilst also actively contributing to broader national outcomes across our 400‑strong Water team — driving safety leadership, people development, client service excellence, business growth and operational performance.

Your remit spans operational oversight, talent development, client engagement, and market growth – making this a role where your leadership truly shapes the future of our Queensland Water business.

Key Responsibilities of the Business Leader, Water, QLD:

• Lead regional operations — driving strong performance across utilisation, backlog, forecasting and financial outcomes, ensuring the QLD region contributes effectively to BC‑wide targets.

• Shape a high‑performing, values‑aligned culture through coaching, engagement, capability uplift and succession planning, creating an environment where people feel connected, supported and empowered.

• Strengthen client relationships by supporting strategic pursuits, ensuring excellent service delivery, and representing Stantec in key market, industry and community forums across Queensland.

• Champion proactive safety behaviours and HSSE excellence, embedding a culture where safety leadership, compliance and continuous improvement are part of everyday practice.

• Ensure quality delivery by embedding project management fundamentals, supporting PMs with tools, training and guidance, and maintaining strong alignment with QSE requirements.

• Partner closely with Group Leaders, Team Leaders, PMCL, BCOL and Practice Leaders to drive collaboration, integrated delivery and shared performance across the Business Centre.

• Contribute to business planning and growth strategies, helping shape market positioning, regional priorities and opportunities for expansion within the QLD Water sector.

• Support Stantec’s brand and reputation by maintaining strong relationships with clients, councils, universities and industry bodies, and reinforcing our integrated practice across the region.

What makes you a standout candidate for this role:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Engineering, Science or similar.
• Strong grounding in Water sector knowledge, market dynamics, and technical capability profiles.
•  Extensive experience in leadership, talent management, workforce planning, and organisational performance.
• Proven people leadership – strong capability in building engagement, culture, cohesion, and high‑performing teams.
• Deep Water sector insight – strong understanding of QLD Water clients, capability needs, market pressures, and growth opportunities.
• Operational performance mindset – experienced in interpreting utilisation, forecasting, backlog, and performance metrics to drive improvement.
• Exceptional talent lifecycle expertise – recruitment, development, succession planning, coaching, capability uplift, and workforce shaping.
• Client‑centric approach – strong relationship building, understanding of client expectations, and commitment to quality delivery.
• Safety‑focused leadership – proactive mindset around safety culture, compliance, and behavioural leadership.
• Strategic thinker – future‑focused, opportunity‑driven, and able to translate market intelligence into actionable growth strategies.
• Collaborative and values‑driven – ethical, balanced, and aligned with Stantec’s culture of integrity, partnership, and service excellence.
• Strong communication & influence – able to partner effectively with RD, BCOL, PMCL, Practice Leaders, and technical teams.
• High adaptability – comfortable leading through change, ambiguity, and evolving business priorities.

Stantec offerings:

Along with an attractive salary, healthy and vibrant culture, we offer many benefits to ensure your professional development and wellbeing.

• Flexible Working Arrangements – Including options to work part time and flexibility to work from home 
• Learning and Talent Development Programs and Training
• Purchasing up to four weeks additional leave
• Professional Registration and Memberships
• Salary Continuance Insurance (SCI) and Salary Packaging
• Honorarium Spot Bonus Program – Recognition of broader water industry contributions to relevant committees and conferences
• Employee Resource Groups such as Women@Stantec and Pride@Stantec
• Connecting employees across Stantec through our Developing Professionals Group
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs including Employee Assistance Program
• Service Recognition Awards

About us

The Stantec community unites approximately 34,000 employees working in over 450 locations across six continents. We collaborate across sectors and industries to bring water, transport, energy, architecture, and infrastructure projects to life. Our work from initial project concept and planning through design, construction and commissioning is built on a nearly 200-year history.

It's our people that sets us apart … and we hope that includes you.

Ready to Lead the Future of Water in Queensland?

Submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability, and join a team where your leadership shapes meaningful impact across communities, industries and environments.

No Agency CV’s will be accepted.