Get to know David Marsh

Last week we were excited to announce the appointment of David Marsh as our Executive Operations Manager (EOM) for the North Delivery Team (NDT).

While the NDT news hounds were careful to give him time to settle into his official capacity, it was only a matter of time before we chased him down for an interview.

Read on to learn more about our new leader.

David Marsh is Executive Operations Manager (EOM) for the North Delivery Team (NDT).

While David has only worked in the water industry for a few years, there is no denying that he has a long personal history with Sydney's iconic waterways.

"I was born and raised in Shellharbour, 100km south of Sydney CBD. I grew up near the sea, and spending time outdoors near the water has always been an important aspect of my life."

Growing up, David didn't have a specific career in mind, but he did have a vision for his future.

"I just knew I wanted to be happy and enjoy my work, whatever my career choice was."

Straight out of school, David got his apprenticeship as a Mechanical Fitter working for BHP Billiton at Port Kembla. He worked hard, and by the time he was ready for his next challenge, he had gained his Mechanical Engineering Certificate and climbed the ranks from Apprentice to Maintenance Inspector. 

As his next move, David joined Transfield Services as a Detail Planner. Over his tenure, he upskilled, attaining his Graduate Certificate in Commerce from Charles Sturt University and a Business Diploma from the University of Ballarat. He also continued climbing the ranks, first to Project Engineer, then Shutdown Team Leader, Shutdown Projects Manager, Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager, and finally, Alliance Manager. 

In the years following Transfield Services, David continued his delivery success, driving large-scale capital works, including critical infrastructure construction, maintenance and asset management across the oil and gas, mining, utilities, and government sectors. 

When asked which role he found the most interesting, David said his time as Defence National Operations Manager for Broadspectrum. Due to the secure nature of the work, David, unfortunately, wasn't at liberty to share details. Instead, he shared the runner-up, his time as Contracts Manager, on Santos' Maintenance Services contract. 

David takes part in a Welcome to Country ceremony at our last all-staff event

"I spent time at the Cooper and Eromanga Basins supporting oil and gas exploration," he said.

"That role gave me a whole new appreciation for the vastness of our country and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to deliver essential utilities."

David has been part of the North Delivery Team (NDT) since mobilisation under Sydney Water's Partnering for Success (P4S) delivery model. He recalls the concept of operating in a long-term collaborative contract as a key reason he took the plunge. 

"The P4S model was the first time a consortium of design, delivery, and maintenance had been introduced within an Australian utility company."

"As someone passionate about innovation, when I heard about the new approach to service delivery, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of," he said. 

Up until his recent promotion to EOM, David was our Maintenance & Facilities Management Lead, successfully building a team to manage Sydney Water's 24/7 reactive maintenance model while driving innovation across design, construction, and asset management.

David on site with Operators & Maintainers Roadshow attendees

David says a highlight of the role was the opportunity to support and develop people.

“Whether it was a grad fresh out of uni, or one of the many trainees and apprentices who got their first start with us, I'm always humbled to be part of someone's personal and professional growth," he said. 

In his new capacity as EOM, David is responsible for future-proofing the business and leading the North to meet strategic growth targets.

His first focus area is "how to enable our team best to self-deliver our annual program, year on year."

When asked what his favourite part of his role is, David warmly replied, "the people".

"Having been part of the NDT since day one, I'm deeply connected and invested in the people that make us who we are; they truly are our greatest asset," he said. 

While it’s still early days, David has identify the most challenging part of his new role.

"The hardest part is finding time for all the great people in our team when there is only one of me."

David on holiday with his family

When I asked David if he would like to switch roles for a day with someone else, it was clear the thought had already crossed his mind.

"I would love to be part of the Grounds Team for a day so I could hop on one of our ride-on lawnmowers,” he said.

This answer made even more sense when David shared his newest hobby.

“I love all things water sports, and lately, I I’ve been enjoying taking my new jetski for a spin.” 

"Whether it’s spearfishing, or surfing, on any weekend, you'll likely find me near water."

Finally, I asked David if he had achieved his childhood goal of being happy and enjoying his work. 

He smiled. "I'm glad to say I have,” he said.