Principal Approvals Specialist - Energy Hubs

AGL; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AGL is seeking a Principal Approvals Specialist to lead regulatory approvals for Energy Hub precinct projects, focusing on the Hunter Energy Hub. The role supports NSW, Victoria or Queensland sites and collaborates with Industry and Governments to transform thermal sites into industrial energy hubs.

You will steer approvals across Commonwealth and State frameworks, manage external consultants, and align regulatory strategy with project delivery and commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading planning and environmental approvals for major infrastructure projects.
• Experience with State Significant Development and EPBC Act approvals.
• Ability to develop regulatory strategies for projects above $100 million.
• Proven ability to negotiate with senior government stakeholders.
• Strong commercial judgment and communication skills to influence executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, environmental, water and land-use approvals strategy across AGL’s Energy Hubs portfolio, including complex brownfield transformation and infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic advice on regulatory risk, development sequencing and land-use optimisation to inform investment decisions, business cases and commercial outcomes.
• Recommend and lead approval pathways across Commonwealth, State and local frameworks, including EPBC Act, State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure processes.
• Act as AGL’s trusted adviser and lead representative in complex negotiations with senior government decision-makers, regulators and statutory authorities.
• Direct external consultants and oversee environmental assessments, planning applications, technical inputs, regulatory submissions and compliance documentation.
• Integrate approvals sequencing with Hub master planning, infrastructure delivery and commercial commitments, while managing risks to project cost, schedule and scope.

Skills

Regulatory strategy

Stakeholder negotiation

Project leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory communication

People management

Environmental approvals

Education

Tertiary qualification in town planning or related

Job description

Principal Approvals Specialist - Energy Hubs

We've been proudly Aussie since 1837, always finding new ways to innovate in energy and essential services. Now, we're moving towards a sustainable future through electrification and investing in renewable energy—and we’d like you to join us. Whether you're on-site, in the office, or somewhere in between, you'll find opportunities to grow your career here. You'll work with a team that's passionate about powering Australian lives, in a culture that values inclusivity, respect, and learning. Help us create a cleaner energy future, and we’ll back you every step of the way as you build your career.

Join the change. Electrify your future.

About the role

AGL’s Energy Hubs team have an opportunity for a Principal Approvals Specialist where you will take responsibility for regulatory approval processes for our Energy Hub precinct projects across our operational sites, with a primary focus on the Hunter Energy Hub.

Based in NSW, Vic or QLD you will be supporting the transition of our thermal power generation sites into industrial energy hubs. The Energy Hubs team support sites across NSW, Victoria and SA, leveraging existing land, infrastructure and renewable energy and storage supply to support the development of new and existing industries on sites, in partnership with both Industry and Governments.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the planning, environmental, water and land-use approvals strategy across AGL’s Energy Hubs portfolio, including complex brownfield transformation and infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic advice on regulatory risk, development sequencing and land-use optimisation to inform investment decisions, business cases and commercial outcomes.
• Recommend and lead approval pathways across Commonwealth, State and local frameworks, including EPBC Act, State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure processes.
• Act as AGL’s trusted adviser and lead representative in complex negotiations with senior government decision-makers, regulators and statutory authorities.
• Direct external consultants and oversee environmental assessments, planning applications, technical inputs, regulatory submissions and compliance documentation.
• Integrate approvals sequencing with Hub master planning, infrastructure delivery and commercial commitments, while managing risks to project cost, schedule and scope.

What you’ll bring

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in town planning, environmental planning, environmental science, law or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading planning and environmental approvals for major infrastructure, energy, resources or industrial development projects.
• Demonstrated leadership of complex State Significant Development, State Significant Infrastructure, EPBC Act or equivalent major-project approvals.
• Experience developing regulatory strategies for projects valued above $100 million and managing complex consultant teams and multi-agency processes.
• Proven ability to negotiate directly with senior government stakeholders and regulatory decision-makers.
• Strong commercial judgement and communication skills, with the ability to influence executive leaders, manage competing priorities and connect regulatory strategy to investment and delivery outcomes

Inclusion at AGL

At AGL, we value diversity and welcome applicants from various backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, culturally diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. AGL is dedicated to maintaining a diverse workforce and encourages applicants to share their lived experiences.

We offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and respect the privacy of those who choose not to disclose. To learn more visit: www.agl.com.au/careers

AGL is proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.

At AGL, we use some AI-enabled tools to support recruitment administration. All hiring decisions are made by hiring leaders and Talent Solutions professionals, with human oversight throughout.

Our pre-employment screening process includes a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and a medical assessment if necessary.

The information provided as part of your application to AGL will be managed in accordance with the AGL Privacy Policy.

AGL does not accept agency submissions unless approval has been granted by a member of the Talent Solutions team. Candidates submitted by an agency without approval will not be considered by AGL.

Location

Sydney NSW 2000

Job Family Group

Land Management - Group