Senior Project Manager - Connections Reform
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Date: 17 hours ago
City: Perth, Western Australia
Contract type: Full time
Lead multiple workstreams, budgets & timelines to deliver quality outcomes. Strong PM skills valued, energy sector experience highly desirable. Hybrid working – Bris/Syd/Melb/Perth/Adel location /Excellent culture & benefits. The Senior Project Manager - Connections Reform will have proven experience in delivering reform projects with broad stakeholder engagemenet, strong grasp of NER, NEM, and reform processes.
AEMO at the Heart of Energy
AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this.
We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems. , and our core values revolve around Character, Commitment, and Connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant mission in the energy sector.
The Onboarding and Connections (O&C) Division is responsible for the end-to-end connection process across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Operationally, the division works closely with transmission and distribution network service providers in supporting project developers and equipment manufacturers through the application, registration and commissioning phases of the project lifecycle to enable release to full operation.
It is responsible for recommending projects for NEM registration, and full commercial operation. In its role, the division provides guidance to all parties regarding how the National Electricity Rules (NER) should be interpreted regarding connection assessment requirements and materials to be provided.
This position can be worked out of any of our office locations, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
About The Role
This role helps manage and coordinate AEMO’s major connection reform activities. It involves working closely with AEMO’s regulatory specialists to deliver regulatory changes and managing projects in partnership with State and Federal Governments, ARENA, generation developers, OEMs, NSPs, and industry bodies like the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
Key focus areas include the Connections Reform Initiative (CRI), co-led by AEMO and the CEC to make the NEM connections process more efficient, transparent, and predictable, and the five-yearly review of access standards under the National Electricity Rules.
The team also supports other AEMO initiatives in a matrix environment, including work on Renewable Energy Zones, regulatory reform, emerging technologies such as grid-forming inverters, offshore wind, and large loads, as well as power system modelling like frequency domain analysis.
Success in this role relies on strong consultation, collaboration, and coordination with AEMO teams and industry partners to ensure connection reform activities align with broader industry and AEMO processes.
What You Will Be Doing
Education
AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at [email protected]
If you would like to know more about working at AEMO , please check out our careers page for more information.
AEMO at the Heart of Energy
AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this.
We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems. , and our core values revolve around Character, Commitment, and Connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant mission in the energy sector.
The Onboarding and Connections (O&C) Division is responsible for the end-to-end connection process across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Operationally, the division works closely with transmission and distribution network service providers in supporting project developers and equipment manufacturers through the application, registration and commissioning phases of the project lifecycle to enable release to full operation.
It is responsible for recommending projects for NEM registration, and full commercial operation. In its role, the division provides guidance to all parties regarding how the National Electricity Rules (NER) should be interpreted regarding connection assessment requirements and materials to be provided.
This position can be worked out of any of our office locations, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
About The Role
This role helps manage and coordinate AEMO’s major connection reform activities. It involves working closely with AEMO’s regulatory specialists to deliver regulatory changes and managing projects in partnership with State and Federal Governments, ARENA, generation developers, OEMs, NSPs, and industry bodies like the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
Key focus areas include the Connections Reform Initiative (CRI), co-led by AEMO and the CEC to make the NEM connections process more efficient, transparent, and predictable, and the five-yearly review of access standards under the National Electricity Rules.
The team also supports other AEMO initiatives in a matrix environment, including work on Renewable Energy Zones, regulatory reform, emerging technologies such as grid-forming inverters, offshore wind, and large loads, as well as power system modelling like frequency domain analysis.
Success in this role relies on strong consultation, collaboration, and coordination with AEMO teams and industry partners to ensure connection reform activities align with broader industry and AEMO processes.
What You Will Be Doing
- Work in cross-functional teams to lead and manage connection reform projects from planning to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with objectives.
- Develop and track detailed project plans, timelines, resources, and budgets.
- Create stakeholder management plans with the Change Manager and lead negotiations across diverse stakeholders.
- Facilitate communication and provide regular project updates to internal and external stakeholders.
- Prepare clear, high-quality written and verbal communications for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build strong client partnerships and foster collaboration within AEMO and across government and industry, enhancing AEMO’s reputation as a trusted partner.
- Help drive improvements in how AEMO engages technically with clients and the industry, proactively identifying challenges, facilitating constructive problem-solving, and supporting transparent decision-making.
Education
- Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate engineering discipline and/or project management
- Regulatory/policy qualifications/experience to support the above would be considered useful.
- Experience leading reform projects involving extensive stakeholder engagement and negotiation, delivering outcomes on time and within budget.
- Proven ability to manage diverse, matrixed teams with varying skills and objectives.
- A flexible approach to planning, adapting to industry, regulatory, and policy changes.
- Knowledge of the NER, NEM, and Rule change processes.
- Experience managing a cost recovery cost centre.
- Strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Flexible working: work from home, hybrid options, and additional leave options
- Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more.
- Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
- Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
- Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at [email protected]
If you would like to know more about working at AEMO , please check out our careers page for more information.
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