Head of Grid Connection (12-month Fixed Term Contract)

Aula Energy; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Up to 20 weeks’ paid parental leave

Wellbeing and service bonus leave

Financial wellbeing support

Job summary

Aula Energy is seeking a Head of Grid Connection to lead the grid connection strategy across a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets, including wind, solar and battery storage. You will coordinate with internal teams, advisers and regulators to drive connection approvals, construction, energisation and operations in the National Electricity Market.

Reporting to the General Manager, Technical, you will build and develop the grid team, influence investment decisions and manage technical due

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience leading grid connection activities for utility-scale wind, solar or storage.
• Strong knowledge of grid connection requirements, AEMO processes and Generator Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end grid connection strategies across projects at different lifecycle stages.
• Lead connection enquiries, applications and registration activities with regulators and NSOs.
• Provide strategic advice on network access, grid risks and market developments.

Skills

Grid connection

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Power systems engineering

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

EMT modelling

RMS modelling

Job description

12-month fixed-term contract | Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane

Lead grid connection strategy across a growing renewable energy portfolio

Aula Energy is seeking an experienced Head of Grid Connection to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is a critical leadership role responsible for Aula Energy’s grid connection, power systems and network integration function across a portfolio of utility-scale wind, solar and battery energy storage projects.

You will shape connection strategy, influence investment and delivery decisions, and support projects and operating assets across their full lifecycle, from development and connection approvals through construction, commissioning, registration and operations in the National Electricity Market.

Reporting to the General Manager, Technical, you will lead a team of three and work closely with internal project teams, specialist advisers, AEMO, Network Service Providers, regulators and other industry stakeholders.

What you’ll do

• Develop and execute end-to-end grid connection strategies across projects at different lifecycle stages.
• Lead connection enquiries, applications, Generator Performance Standards negotiations, registration activities and associated technical submissions.
• Provide strategic advice on network access, grid risks, market developments and regulatory change.
• Support project development, acquisitions and investment decisions through technical due diligence and grid risk assessment.
• Oversee power system studies, network modelling, technical documentation and consultant deliverables.
• Manage relationships with AEMO, Transmission and Distribution Network Service Providers, regulators and other key stakeholders.
• Resolve complex technical, regulatory, commercial and delivery issues arising through the connection process.
• Oversee grid connection activities during design, procurement, construction, commissioning, registration and market entry.
• Support project teams to achieve connection, energisation, first generation and operational-readiness milestones.
• Ensure compliance with Connection Agreements, Generator Performance Standards, Network Compliance Schedules and registration obligations.
• Support Asset Management with operational compliance and connection-related modifications.
• Establish and maintain appropriate technical standards, governance, assurance processes and portfolio risk controls.
• Represent Aula Energy in relevant industry forums and regulatory consultations.
• Lead and develop internal grid resources while managing external consultants and technical advisers.

What you’ll bring

You are an experienced, commercially minded grid connection leader who can step into a portfolio leadership role, establish priorities quickly and deliver through internal teams and external partners.

You will bring:

• A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in grid connection, power systems engineering, transmission, network planning or renewable energy infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience leading grid connection activities for utility-scale wind, solar and/or battery energy storage projects.
• Strong knowledge of the National Electricity Rules, AEMO processes, Generator Performance Standards and network connection requirements.
• Experience managing complex relationships with AEMO, transmission and distribution network service providers, regulators and specialist consultants.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing external service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and manage technical, regulatory, commercial and delivery risks.
• Experience supporting project development, investment decisions, project delivery and operational asset management.
• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to balance technical requirements with project and portfolio outcomes.
• Clear communication, leadership and influencing skills, including the ability to advise senior decision-makers.

Postgraduate qualifications in engineering, power systems, energy systems, engineering management or project management will be highly regarded, as will:

• Experience leading connection activities across multiple projects and lifecycle stages.
• Experience supporting investment committees, project financing or technical due diligence.
• Working knowledge of EMT and RMS modelling.
• Experience managing Generator Performance Standards negotiation, compliance and ongoing operational obligations.

Why join Aula Energy?

This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential portfolio role and help deliver technically robust, commercially considered grid connection outcomes across Aula Energy’s renewable energy portfolio.

You will work alongside experienced industry professionals, contribute to important investment and delivery decisions, and help advance renewable energy projects through development, construction and operation.

What we offer

Join a dynamic, collaborative team making a real difference in Australia’s energy transition and play a role in shaping the people, culture and capability that will drive our future.

Depending on eligibility and location, Aula Energy employees can access a range of benefits, including:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Wellbeing and service bonus leave
• Up to 20 weeks’ paid parental leave
• Benefits supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Aula Energy is proud to be a certified Great Place to Work, WORK180 Endorsed Employer and AFR Best Place to Work, and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and welcome all identities. We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments to people who may need support during the recruitment process or in their working arrangements. If you require additional assistance, please let us know when applying.

Aula Energy is an Australian-headquartered renewable energy business dedicated to developing, building and operating onshore renewable energy projects across Australia, with an ambition to expand into New Zealand.

Established by Macquarie in 2023, we bring together a specialist team with decades of renewable energy experience and a shared mission to provide energy for the future. We believe that partnership, long-term relationships and collaboration allow us to create meaningful change for the people who live and work in our communities.