Principal Approvals Specialist - Energy Hubs

AGL Energy Limited; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AGL Energy Limited is seeking a Principal Approvals Specialist to drive regulatory approvals for Energy Hub precinct projects across NSW, VIC, and QLD. Based in Sydney, you will lead complex brownfield transformations and advise on risk, sequencing, and land-use optimisation while coordinating with government authorities and external consultants.

You will collaborate with the Energy Hubs team to align regulatory strategy with site master plans, infrastructure delivery, and commercial

Qualifications

• Experience leading planning and environmental approvals for major infrastructure, energy, resources or industrial projects.
• Proven leadership of complex State Significant Development or State Significant Infrastructure approvals.
• Experience developing regulatory strategies for projects valued above AUD 100 million.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, environmental, water and land-use approvals strategy across Energy Hubs portfolio.
• Provide strategic advice on regulatory risk, development sequencing and land-use optimisation.
• Recommend and lead approval pathways across Commonwealth and State frameworks.
• Act as adviser and lead representative in negotiations with government authorities.
• Direct external consultants and oversee environmental assessments and regulatory submissions.
• Integrate approvals sequencing with master planning, delivery and commercial commitments; manage risks to cost, schedule and scope.

Skills

Regulatory strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Commercial judgement

Executive influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in town planning, environmental planning, environmental science, law or related discipline

Job description

Join the change. Electrify your future!

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.

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

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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