Principal Environmental Approvals Advisor

Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers; Perth; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Flexible working arrangements

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Employee benefits across Wesfarmers

Paid parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF) seeks a Principal Environmental Approvals Advisor to provide strategic and regulatory expertise across environmental approvals, amendments and compliance across WA operations and major projects. Reporting to the Environmental Superintendent, you will navigate complex pathways and coordinate with regulators and project teams to deliver robust submissions.

Based in Perth with an onsite role at Kwinana, you will shape approval strategies, manage

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in environmental science, engineering, planning or similar.
• Knowledge of WA environmental approvals processes and pathways.
• Experience in securing WA/state and Commonwealth approvals would be advantageous.
• Ability to engage regulators, technical specialists and senior leaders.
• Strong risk, governance and assurance thinking.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex environmental approvals across operations and major projects.
• Provide strategic, regulatory expertise across amendments and compliance.
• Develop approval strategies and forward plans for operational and growth projects.
• Coordinate with regulators, project teams and consultants to submit robust submissions.
• Translate complex approval conditions into practical requirements for operations.
• Support environmental compliance, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen environmental management systems and governance practices.
• Lead and participate in environmental audits and improvement initiatives.
• Manage consultants and suppliers across multiple approval workstreams.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance across WesCEF.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Environmental approvals

Strategic planning

Education

Environmental science/engineering/planning degree

Job description

Principal Environmental Approvals Advisor

Salary+bonuses+shares and other benefits

• Lead complex environmental approvals across operations and major projects.
• Be part of a collaborative team supporting operations across WA.
• Permanent Onsite role; Kwinana location with free on-site parking.

WesCEF

Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF) is a division of Wesfarmers Limited and has been operating in Western Australia for more than 110 years. Our eight businesses manufacture and supply essential products to over 225,000 customers in 26 countries, supporting key sectors including agriculture, mining, energy, construction and households.

Safety, sustainability and community are central to how we operate. We are committed to continuous safety improvement and are working toward net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.

With more than 1,500 employees across WA, Queensland and Victoria, we foster a respectful, inclusive workplace where diverse thinking is valued. Guided by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategy and Aboriginal Inclusion Plan, we support gender balance, cultural respect, Indigenous employment and flexible work. We invest in our people through training, career development and recognition programs.

With our headquarters in Perth, WesCEF plays a key role in supporting Australia's economic growth and advancing a more sustainable future.

WESCEF: We create long-term value for critical industries and everyday life.

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Principal Environmental Approvals Advisor to provide strategic, technical and regulatory expertise across environmental approvals, amendments and compliance.

Reporting to the Environmental Superintendent, you'll lead complex environmental approvals and amendments under Part IV and V of the Environmental Protection Act and where required, the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and Mining Act, working closely with project teams, operational leaders, technical specialists and regulators. From early project planning through to implementation, you'll help navigate regulatory pathways, manage environmental risks and translate complex requirements into practical business solutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and submit high-quality environmental approval applications under State and Commonwealth legislation.
• Develop approval strategies, regulatory pathways and forward plans for operational, growth and major projects.
• Provide clear, practical advice to senior leaders and project teams on environmental approval requirements and risks.
• Build trusted, constructive relationships with regulators, government agencies and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate technical specialists, consultants and project teams to deliver robust regulatory submissions.
• Translate approval conditions and environmental obligations into practical requirements for operations and projects.
• Support environmental compliance, reporting, assurance and continuous improvement across the business.
• Strengthen environmental management systems, governance and assurance practices.
• Lead and contribute to environmental audits, using findings to improve systems and performance.
• Manage consultants and suppliers across complex environmental approval workstreams.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance to strengthen environmental capability across the business.

About you

• Tertiary qualifications in environmental science, engineering, planning or similar.
• Knowledge and experience in environmental approvals within manufacturing, resources, infrastructure or a regulated environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience securing Western Australian environmental approvals and amendments.
• Commonwealth, mining and exploration approvals experience would be highly advantageous.
• An understanding of environmental compliance, management systems, risk and assurance.
• Confident in engaging with regulators, technical specialists, operational teams and senior leaders.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Resilient and adaptable in an evolving fast-paced environment.

What we offer

At Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF), we value our people and offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and career growth, including:

• Competitive remuneration, including access to the Wesfarmers employee benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements, including some work-from-home options where applicable.
• Salary sacrifice opportunities, including novated leasing.
• Access to a wide range of employee benefits across the Wesfarmers Group, including staff discounts at Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Kleenheat, as well as access to Wesfarmers-sponsored arts and cultural events.
• Paid parental leave of up to 18 weeks.
• Ongoing professional development and career opportunities across WesCEF and the broader Wesfarmers Group.

Why WesCEF

At WesCEF, we are committed to building an engaged, high-performing and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We value diversity of thinking, skills and experience, knowing this drives innovation and better business outcomes.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are proud to support flexible working arrangements and understand that flexibility looks different for everyone. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to discuss your needs as part of the application process.

WesCEF operates across multiple locations, with our two major hubs based in Kwinana and the Perth CBD.

Bring your environmental approvals expertise to WesCEF and help shape positive outcomes across operations, growth and major projects. Applications close: 24th November 2026, AWST.

Our recruitment process considers your alignment to our company values and the requirements of the role. We also have several checks which may be conducted todemonstrateyour suitability for the role including but not limited to psychometric assessment, police checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, right to work check, qualifications, duediligenceand/or reference checks.