JANELLE MITCHELL | SENIOR MANAGER ASSET INFORMATION MANAGEMENT | SYDNEY WATER
“Every day I learn something new as so many skillsets and experiences come together to work across the organisation’s operational needs. Working with physical assets and information at Sydney Water has brought a new level of purpose and made my work tangible and rewarding.”
Role: Senior Manger Asset Information Management
What I do:
Working at the intersection of information management, physical assets, and operations, my role involves leading the translation of complex asset information into practical solutions. I deliver approaches that support safe, reliable, and efficient operations, while strengthening governance and decision-making across asset lifecycles.
Career journey
My path into operations began with a strong foundation in information and knowledge management, working across industries from consulting to finance. I moved into the water sector when I saw how my skills could help improve the way information supports operational activities. The common part of my career has been working with people and understand their needs and requirements in the context of an operational or business process. Equally managing teams and growing capability has been an energising factor across my career.
What I love about my role
I enjoy working with executive leaders to deliver strategic and commercial success. I am well regarded for negotiating pragmatic, client-focused outcomes. I also immensely enjoy leading teams and developing individuals.
What I’ve learned
Every day I learn something new as many skillsets and experiences come together to work across the organisation’s operational needs. Each day I play the role of translator, working between all the different paradigms of thinking required to manage operational needs. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned over many years is the value of listening to then translate needs.
Advice to others
Don’t hesitate. There are so many opportunities and so many ways that women and their lived experience can add value to operational roles. Excellence and empathy go hand in hand and this guides my decision making every day.
NOMINATION DETAILS
What Belinda Bright, Head of Engineering & Technical Support, Sydney Water said about Janelle:
As a leader, Janelle has reshaped her team’s role, moving from simply responding to requests to actively solving broader business challenges. She’s helped her team connect with others, set clear principles, and deliver solutions that are practical and sustainable. Janelle is recognised for bringing people together, encouraging accountability, and supporting managers as they grow into their roles. She manages multiple projects by delegating, coaching, and setting clear guidelines, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Janelle’s commitment to protecting data and improving information sharing has strengthened the organisation’s approach to risk and compliance. Even as her team’s responsibilities have grown, she’s found ways to deliver more without increasing resources—a sign of her operational skill and leadership. Janelle’s practical approach and focus on teamwork make her a standout leader and role model in operations.
Thank you for sharing your story and being part of NAWO’s 100 Women in Operations. Showcasing the breadth of roles, pathways and leadership that exists across the operations industry is at the heart of this campaign—and it’s stories like yours that make it possible.
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