Connections Manager

We bring the energy – through purpose and people. Not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

As a Connections Manager, you will lead the connection of large-scale generation projects and major customer loads to AusNet's sub-transmission and distribution network. Sitting at the forefront of Australia's energy transition, you'll help enable critical renewable energy and infrastructure projects, delivering connection solutions that support network growth and the evolving needs of our customers and communities.

This is a highly visible and influential role, where you'll combine commercial, industrial and stakeholder expertise to guide complex connection opportunities from initial enquiry through to successful delivery and close-out. You'll work with developers, major customers, regulators and internal stakeholders to unlock investment, drive innovation and create lasting value across the energy sector.

Based in Southbank, Melbourne, this position offers flexible hybrid working arrangements.

What you’ll be doing in this role

• Lead large scale generation (>1.5MW), storage and load connections (including data centres) to AusNet's electricity distribution network
• Drive end-to-end connection opportunities, managing projects from initial enquiry through to close-out, including R0, R1 and R2 connection stages
• Develop and negotiate commercial and technical solutions that deliver successful customer and business outcomes
• Navigate the National Electricity Rules and broader regulatory framework to facilitate efficient and compliant connection processes
• Drive strategic improvements to processes, systems and capabilities that remove bottlenecks, enhance customer connection outcomes, and enables network growth
• Undertake project financial modelling, develop business cases, seek approval from Ausnet governance and prepare customer offers
• Negotiate defendable customer contracts that establish projects for successful delivery and minimise the need for cost and schedule variations
• Build trusted relationships across internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative and practical connection solutions

You don’t need to check every box; however, we are looking for a good combination of:

• Proven experience managing complex grid-scale generation and major load connection projects
• Strong commercial, financial and negotiation skills
• Exceptional stakeholder, customer and contract management capability
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a passion for delivering outcomes
• The ability to translate strategic priorities into practical actions and results
• Strong understanding of the technical, commercial and regulatory drivers shaping the energy industry including knowledge of Chapters 5 and 5A of the National Electricity Rules and its application to the network connections
• A current Australian Driver's Licence

Why this role matters

This is more than a connections role—it's an opportunity to directly influence the growth of renewable energy, support major customer developments and help build the electricity network of the future. Your work will enable critical projects that power homes, businesses and communities across Victoria while contributing to a more sustainable energy system.

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking clever ways and looking at things differently.
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our customers and communities.
• Being apart a team that cares deeply about each other: We share in the good times. We support in the tough times. And we’re humble through and through.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

At AusNet, we bring the energy! Ready to make your impact? Apply now!