Project Approvals Lead

Lochard Energy is delivering critical infrastructure to support Australia’s energy transition - and approvals are at the heart of making it happen. We’re looking for a Project Approvals Lead to take ownership of regulatory approvals for a large-scale Gas-Powered Generation (GPG) project in Victoria for which Lochard has commenced on the initial phase of work. This is a high-impact role where you’ll drive approvals strategy, navigate complex regulatory pathways, and influence project outcomes at the highest level.

If you thrive in fast-paced project environments and enjoy balancing strategy, risk, and stakeholder engagement - this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in projects that matter.

As Project Approvals Lead, you’ll be embedded within the project team, accountable for delivering all approvals required to meet project timelines and risk requirements.

You’ll lead the end-to-end approvals process - from strategy and study coordination through to regulatory submissions and agency engagement - ensuring outcomes are achieved in line with project and governance expectations.

Operating in a matrix structure, you will work closely with the Project Manager while maintaining alignment with Lochard’s broader approvals and stakeholder strategy.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience delivering regulatory approvals for major infrastructure projects, ideally in the Victorian energy sector
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. Pipelines Act, EPA Act, Environmental Effects Act, EPBC Act)
• Proven ability to manage consultants, technical studies and regulatory submissions
• Experience operating in complex, matrix project environments
• Ability to provide strategic, risk-informed advice to senior stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Degree in planning, environmental science, engineering or other relevant tertiary qualification

Job responsibilities

• Developing and delivering the project regulatory approvals strategy (pathways, strategy, staging, critical risks)
• Leading regulatory engagement, submissions and approvals processes across State, Federal and local requirements
• Managing approvals consultants and specialist studies (environmental, cultural heritage, technical)
• Driving integration of approvals into the project schedule and critical path
• Leading consultation and engagement with key regulators (e.g. DEECA, EPA, DTP, DCCEEW, local councils)
• Providing clear, risk-based advice to project leadership on approvals strategy and progress
• Establishing and maintaining approvals registers, compliance tracking and governance frameworks
• Coordinating closely with engineering, stakeholder engagement and communications teams

Job benefits

At Lochard Energy, you’ll be part of a team delivering essential infrastructure for Australia’s energy future. We offer:

• Opportunities to work on complex, high-profile projects
• A collaborative and integrated project delivery environment
• The chance to influence strategy and outcomes at a senior level
• Flexible hybrid working based in Southbank, Melbourne

If you’re ready to take ownership of approvals on a major energy project and play a key role in enabling delivery, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion.