Forward Planning Lead

AusNet; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AusNet in Melbourne is seeking a Forward Planning Lead (Distribution) to enable efficient delivery of Distribution works by monitoring partner capacity and developing integrated work plans. You will collaborate across Network Management, Operations and Asset Management to develop outage and works plans, optimise sequencing, and provide decision support.

The role requires strong analytical skills, extensive planning experience in regulated environments, and the ability to influence senior

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience within the utility sector, with an understanding of regulated networks and requirements.
• Experience in project, program and resource planning within a complex environment.
• Capacity planning and workforce analysis skills.
• Excellent analytical and synthesis abilities to present clear findings and recommendations.
• Strong communication skills to engage senior stakeholders, lead meetings and influence outcomes.
• Proven reporting experience in a business or regulated environment including SAP/ERP systems.
• Ability to prioritise business outcomes and drive continuous improvement of digital platforms and processes.
• Solid IT knowledge including MS Office, scheduling tools and GIS systems.
• Demonstrated success in developing effective business relationships across levels.
• Experience in developing and implementing change projects and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of monthly, annual and long-term works plans balancing asset, customer, regulatory and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop integrated outage and works plans for safe, efficient, customer-focused outcomes.
• Develop and maintain forward work programs optimizing sequencing, bundling, resource utilisation and work packaging.
• Analyse work volumes, delivery performance, resource capacity and constraints to provide scenarios and insights.
• Provide deliverability assurance across works programs considering capacity, outages, methodologies, materials and commercial factors.
• Lead resource forecasting and capacity planning identifying future workforce needs and risks.
• Influence stakeholders to align planning assumptions, priorities and resource commitments.
• Partner with delivery partners to improve efficiency and program performance.
• Lead reporting and performance analysis for visibility of delivery and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies, processes and tools.

Skills

Utility sector experience

Regulated network knowledge

Project & resource planning

Capacity planning

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

SAP/ERP experience

IT & GIS tools

Change management

Relationship building

Job description

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.

We all want a future of energy we can be proud of. With us you can.

The Forward Planning Lead (Distribution) is responsible for enabling the efficient delivery of all Distribution works by monitoring delivery partner resource capacity and work throughput, while developing integrated work plans that optimise delivery and minimise impacts to customers and communities.

With a hybrid working arrangement, this role is based in Southbank and sits within the Works Management Team

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Lead the development of monthly, annual and long-term works plans, balancing asset, customer, regulatory and operational requirements within resource and delivery constraints.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Network Management, Operations, Delivery and Asset Management to develop integrated outage and works plans that support safe, efficient and customer-focused outcomes.
• Develop and maintain forward work programs, optimising delivery sequencing, geographic bundling, resource utilisation and work packaging to maximise productivity and minimise costs.
• Analyse work volumes, delivery performance, resource capacity and operational constraints to provide delivery scenarios, strategic insights and decision support.
• Provide deliverability assurance across works programs through assessment of resource capacity, outage requirements, delivery methodologies, material availability and commercial considerations.
• Lead resource forecasting and capacity planning activities, identifying future workforce requirements, delivery risks and emerging constraints.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to align planning assumptions, priorities and resource commitments to achieve efficient delivery outcomes.
• Partner with Delivery Partners to identify and implement opportunities to improve delivery efficiency, productivity and program performance.
• Lead reporting and performance analysis, providing visibility of program delivery, resource capacity, emerging risks and improvement opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies, processes and tools to enhance planning accuracy, delivery efficiency and organisational capability.
• Optimise deployment of internal and external resources to maximise throughput, delivery performance and customer outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice to leadership on delivery risks, opportunities, resource requirements and alternative delivery scenarios to support investment and portfolio planning decisions.

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

• Demonstrated Experience within the utility sector and a thorough understanding of regulated businesses and network requirements.
• Experience in project, program and resource planning within a complex environment and understanding of associated methodologies.
• Capacity Planning and workforce analysis skills
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesise numerous inputs and present clear findings and recommendations.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills to proactively engage with key senior stakeholders, lead meetings and influence outcomes.
• Proven reporting experience in a business or complex regulated environment including strong SAP, Reporting and ERP system experience.
• Ability to prioritise business outcomes and promote continuous improvement of digital platforms and processes.
• Strong IT and systems knowledge, including but not limited to MS Office, scheduling tools and GIS systems.
• Demonstrated success at developing effective business relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across all levels.
• Experience in developing and implementing change projects and process improvements.

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Growing your impact: We’ll support you to build your career through real opportunities and strong connections.
• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in 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 communities and customers.

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.