Planning & Approvals Manager

Sharon AI, Inc; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

EAP

Referral program

Employee of the month

Global footprint

Job summary

Sharon AI, Inc. is seeking a Planning & Approvals Manager to navigate planning, environmental and regulatory pathways for AI infrastructure projects in Australia.

You will drive strategies from site assessment to construction readiness and coordinate with consultants and authorities. The role requires a degree in planning or related field, a proven track record in securing approvals, and excellent stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Degree in town planning, urban planning, environmental science, property, engineering or related discipline with proven work experience.
• Proven track record securing complex planning and regulatory approvals for major infrastructure, energy or property developments.
• Strong knowledge of Australian planning frameworks, environmental legislation and approval pathways (SSD/DA/CDC/EPA licensing).
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills with government authorities and communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and approvals strategies for AI infrastructure and related developments.
• Manage statutory approval pathways including SSD, DA, CDC and EPA licensing requirements.
• Coordinate planning consultants, environmental specialists and advisers to deliver assessments and approvals on schedule.
• Build relationships with councils, regulators and community stakeholders, guiding consultation processes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Planning approvals

Regulatory compliance

Project delivery

Communication skills

Education

Degree in town planning

Job description

Sharon AI is recruiting on behalf of an affiliated new venture operating in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure sector.

The opportunity is to join a growing infrastructure investment and development business focused on supporting the next generation of AI compute in Australia. The business is building the foundations for future growth, with a focus on infrastructure development, strategic partnerships and delivering projects that support Australia's evolving digital infrastructure needs.

The Role

As Planning & Approvals Manager, you’ll help turn ambitious AI infrastructure developments into reality by navigating the planning, environmental and regulatory pathways that bring major projects to life. From shaping approval strategies to engaging with government and community stakeholders, you’ll play a pivotal role in unlocking development opportunities and keeping complex projects moving forward. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact across a growing portfolio at the intersection of AI, energy and critical infrastructure.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead end-to-end planning and approvals strategies for major AI infrastructure, data centre, energy and industrial developments, driving projects from early site assessment through to construction readiness.
• Manage complex statutory approval pathways, including State Significant Development, Development Applications, Complying Development Certificates and environmental licensing requirements.
• Coordinate planning consultants, environmental specialists and technical advisers to deliver assessments, submissions and approvals within critical project timelines.
• Build strong relationships with councils, government departments, regulators and community stakeholders, navigating approval challenges and managing consultation processes.
• Advise executive and project teams on planning risks, regulatory changes, approval strategies and critical milestones to support informed decisions and successful project delivery .

What You’ll Bring:

• A degree in town planning, urban planning, environmental science, property, engineering or a related discipline, with proven work experience.
• A proven track record securing complex planning and regulatory approvals for major infrastructure, energy, industrial or property developments.
• Strong knowledge of Australian planning frameworks, environmental legislation and approval pathways, including SSD, DA, CDC and EPA licensing.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience working alongside government authorities, planning consultants, environmental advisers and community representatives.
• A commercially minded, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage multiple approval programmes, anticipate risks and keep projects progressing in a fast-paced development environment.

Why Join?

You'll be joining a rapidly growing Australian infrastructure business at an exciting stage of its journey, with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the infrastructure underpinning the next generation of AI.

🏡 Hybrid working – flexibility between our office and working from home

🧠 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support when you need it

🤖 Exposure to AI and next-generation technology – work in one of the fastest-moving areas of technology

🎁 Bounty referral program – generous rewards for successfully referring new talent

🏆 Employee of the month – recognition plus a $500 gift card

🌏 Growing global business – be part of an Australian technology company with an expanding international footprint

💡 Make an impact – join at a stage where your work can have a visible influence on how we build and grow

🤝 Collaborative culture – work alongside talented people across technical, commercial and corporate teams

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unfortunately not always able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We appreciate your understanding and want to assure you that every application will be reviewed with care.