Environmental Approvals Manager

Downer; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Safety and wellbeing culture

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Major infrastructure project exposure

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Downer is seeking an Environmental Approvals Manager to lead the approvals function within the Sustainability and Environment team for Energy and Utilities projects in Australia. You will oversee regulatory compliance, post-approval programs and stakeholder engagement across major infrastructure developments.

You will build and lead a capable approvals team, coach staff, and collaborate with regulators, clients and project leadership to deliver environmental outcomes throughout the lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing environmental approvals and compliance for major infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of NSW/Commonwealth legislation and SSI/CSSI processes.
• Ability to provide practical environmental advice within project delivery environments.
• Leadership experience with coaching and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of environmental approvals strategies for major projects.
• Provide strategic approvals pathway advice to project leadership and regulators.
• Translate approvals conditions into clear project obligations and actions.
• Own post-approval program and manage plans, submissions and deliverables.
• Guide environmental management systems and ensure project compliance.
• Manage consultants, budgets, schedules and contribute to tenders and changes.
• Build relationships with regulators, clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Environmental approvals

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Project delivery

Risk management

Leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Communication

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Environmental Approvals Manager to join our Sustainability and Environment team within Downer Energy and Utilities.

Reporting to the Environmental Planning and Sustainability Director, this position will lead the environmental planning and approvals function and provide key monitoring, reporting and stakeholder engagement support across major utility infrastructure projects, including transmission projects.

Working closely with project leadership teams, regulators, clients and key stakeholders, the role will play a critical part in ensuring environmental compliance, effective implementation of approval conditions and the successful delivery of environmental outcomes throughout the project lifecycle. The Environmental Approvals Manager will also build and lead a capable approvals team, setting clear accountabilities and providing coaching, mentoring and development to support consistently high-quality outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and implementation of environmental approvals strategies for Critical State Significant Infrastructure projects
• Providing strategic advice to project leadership on approvals pathways, change management, compliance risk, program impacts and practical mitigation measures
• Interpreting State Significant Infrastructure and Critical State Significant Infrastructure approvals, environmental impact assessment commitments, conditions of approval and Commonwealth requirements, and translating them into clear project obligations
• Owning the post-approval program and coordinating the timely preparation, review, consultation, submission and implementation of management plans and other approvals deliverables
• Supporting environmental management systems and project compliance obligations
• Managing specialist consultants, approvals budgets, deliverable quality and schedules, and contributing approvals inputs to tenders, estimates and project change processes
• Building productive relationships with regulators, clients and key stakeholders

What we are looking for

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing environmental approvals and compliance requirements within major infrastructure, utilities, construction or related industries
• Strong working knowledge of NSW and Commonwealth environmental and planning legislation and approval frameworks, including the EP&A Act, EPBC Act, POEO Act and relevant SSI/CSSI processes
• Experience working with government agencies, environmental authorities and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to provide practical environmental advice in a project delivery environment
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Experience undertaking environmental audits and compliance reviews
• A collaborative approach with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability and continuous improvement

What we offer

At Downer, we value our people and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Our employees enjoy:

• A strong safety and wellbeing culture
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Flexible and inclusive working arrangements
• The opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure projects that support communities across Australia
• Access to employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives
• A collaborative and supportive team environment

About Energy and Utilities

Downer Energy and Utilities partners with customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure and facilities across Australia and New Zealand.

Our people deliver essential services that keep communities connected and support the transition to a more sustainable future. Through our commitment to safety, innovation and operational excellence, we help our customers achieve long-term success while creating positive outcomes for the communities we serve.

Downer is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities.

Applications from recruitment agencies

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidates or proposals from recruitment agencies. Any unsolicited submissions will be deemed the property of Downer and no fee will be payable.