Group Manager - WA Capacity and Connections

Australian Energy Market Operator; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Volunteering leave

Annual performance bonuses

Wellness program

Discount health insurance

Gym perks

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is seeking a Group Manager WA Capacity and Connections to lead multidisciplinary teams and shape WA's energy system. This senior role focuses on capacity assessment, connection processes and ensuring reliable electricity supply across WA.

You will manage the Reserve Capacity Mechanism, coordinate new project entries with Western Power, developers and government, and drive governance and stakeholder engagement to deliver safe, affordable energy.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in business, economics, science, engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive senior leadership experience within the energy industry and market interactions.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale change in complex environments with innovation and outcomes.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across industry and government.
• Balance strategic thinking with operational execution in evolving markets.
• Excellent communication and people leadership across diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Set direction and lead multidisciplinary teams with clear priorities and accountability.
• Oversee capacity and system services including Reserve Capacity Mechanism and procurement.
• Coordinate responsibility for new project entry, connection, registration and commissioning.
• Build partnerships with Western Power, developers, investors and government to progress projects.
• Maintain governance with transparent, risk-based decisions compliant with regulatory obligations.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Energy markets knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

People leadership

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business, economics, science, engineering

Job description

Group Manager - WA Capacity and Connections

Australian Energy Market Operator - Melbourne VIC

Reference number:13326

Engagement type:Permanent

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 transition in the energy sector.

About the role

Western Australia's energy transition depends on having sufficient electricity capacity available when it is needed, and on bringing new projects into operation safely and efficiently. This senior leadership role brings those responsibilities together.

As Group Manager, WA Capacity and Connections, you will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for assessing and accrediting capacity, procuring services that help keep the power system secure, and coordinating AEMO's processes for new facilities to connect and participate in WA's main electricity system and wholesale market.

You will oversee the Reserve Capacity Mechanism - the market arrangements designed to ensure sufficient electricity capacity is available to meet demand. Working closely with Western Power, developers, investors, government and colleagues across AEMO, you will help resolve delivery challenges and bring together the technical, commercial and regulatory work needed for projects to begin operating.

Reporting to the Executive General Manager and a key member of the senior leadership team, this is a role for a senior energy leader who can set direction, lead across disciplines and build confidence with stakeholders, while maintaining strong governance and regulatory compliance.

What you will be doing

• Set direction and lead the team - lead multidisciplinary teams with clear priorities, accountabilities and effective ways of working.
• Oversee capacity and system services - lead delivery of the Reserve Capacity Mechanism, Supplementary Capacity and procurement of essential system services.
• Coordinate AEMO's responsibilities for new project entry - oversee AEMO's connection, registration, accreditation and commissioning activities so new facilities can enter operation safely and efficiently.
• Build collaborative partnerships and support project delivery - work with Western Power, developers, investors and government to support the coordinated progression of new projects and connections.
• Maintain sound governance - Ensure decisions and processes are transparent, risk-based and compliant with regulatory obligations.

What you will bring to the role

Experience and Knowledge

• Tertiary qualifications in business, economics, science, engineering or a related discipline, with advanced or cross-disciplinary qualifications highly regarded.
• Extensive senior leadership experience within the energy industry, with a strong understanding of energy markets, commercial operations and market interactions.
• Proven ability to lead and embed large-scale change in complex, technical and operationally critical environments, with a focus on innovation, continuous improvement and business outcomes.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across industry, government and operational environments to achieve shared outcomes.
• Strong capability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, delivering outcomes in complex and evolving market environments.
• Exceptional communication and people leadership skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, empower teams and foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.

In return some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working: work from home, part time,job share, 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).

About Our Process

At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at ******@aemo.com.au