Senior Planning & Approvals Lead, BESS (Hybrid, Sydney)

Morson Edge Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Hybrid working

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Morson Edge Australia is seeking a Planning & Approvals Manager to steer utility-scale BESS projects through planning and environmental processes in Australia. You will coordinate consultants, advise on feasibility, and work with development, engineering and grid teams to align approvals with project designs.

The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration, strong stakeholder engagement and shaping the planning function as the portfolio expands. Sydney-based with hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in planning and approvals for utility-scale BESS, solar or wind projects.
• Strong knowledge of Australian planning frameworks and state EPBC processes.
• Experience with regulators, environmental agencies and consultants.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and approvals for a portfolio of utility-scale BESS projects.
• Advise on planning feasibility, site constraints, timelines and risks.
• Assess opportunities across emerging technologies and project types.
• Ensure planning and environmental considerations are reflected in designs.
• Collaborate with grid, community engagement and internal teams.
• Coordinate consultants, planning studies, budgets and timelines.
• Support preparation of planning applications and environmental plans.
• Liaise with planning authorities and regulators throughout approvals.
• Monitor milestones, costs and risks; address issues early.
• Help shape planning and approvals function as portfolio grows.

Skills

Planning approvals

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Environmental compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Planning/Law/EnvSci/Engineering qualification

Job description

Morson Edge Australia is seeking a Planning & Approvals Manager to steer utility-scale BESS projects through planning and environmental processes in Australia. You will coordinate consultants, advise on feasibility, and work with development, engineering and grid teams to align approvals with project designs.

The role emphasizes cross‑functional collaboration, strong stakeholder engagement and shaping the planning function as the portfolio expands. Sydney-based with hybrid work arrangements.