Team Lead – Streamlined Connections

Australian Energy Market Operator; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Volunteer leave

Annual performance bonuses

Wellness program

Discounted health insurance

Job summary

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) seeks a Team Lead, Connection Delivery to oversee complex generation and network connection projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM). You will lead a team of 5–8 project managers, coordinating with developers, Network Service Providers and government agencies to deliver high-impact connections programs.

You will drive reforms, manage budgets and governance, and mentor staff while applying agile problem-solving to navigate stakeholder

Qualifications

• Engineering or related field with 10+ years of industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of National Electricity Law (NEL) and National Electricity Rules (NER).
• Experience delivering complex generator connection projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation, establishment, delivery and reporting of government-sponsored Connections programs.
• Provide oversight of program financials, budgeting, forecasting and governance.
• Mentor and develop a team of project managers to foster a high-performing culture.
• Build trusted partnerships with generation developers, Network Service Providers and government agencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Engineering/related field

Job description

Australian Energy Market Operator – Melbourne VIC

AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

The System Design Division plays a critical role in AEMO’s success, driving the organisation’s collaborative and industry-wide efforts in meeting the engineering challenges of a net-zero energy system. The Division includes specialist areas in system planning, forecasting, future energy as well as onboarding and connections.

The Onboarding and Connections Group manages AEMO’s end to end process for connecting, registering, and commissioning generators into the National Electricity Market.

About the role

With more than 160GW of new generation expected to connect over the next 30 years, this is an opportunity to lead a team at the forefront of Australia's energy transition. As Team Lead, Connection Delivery, you will oversee a portfolio of complex generation and network connection projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM), supporting the successful delivery of strategic connection programs and reforms.

Leading a team of 5-8 project managers, you'll work closely with generation developers, Network Service Providers, Federal and State Government agencies, and internal engineering, legal and finance teams to deliver high-impact projects that support the connection of new energy infrastructure. With a smaller portfolio of complex projects, you'll remain closely involved in project delivery while building trusted stakeholder relationships and driving successful outcomes.

This position can be based from our Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide offices. Applications close 22 November.

What you will be doing

You'll lead the negotiation, establishment, delivery and reporting of government-sponsored Connections programs, while driving the implementation of connection reforms and process improvements that support the efficient integration of new generation across the NEM.

You'll provide oversight of program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cost recovery and governance, ensuring projects are delivered effectively and meet quality, risk, cost and schedule objectives. You'll also establish and embed consistent project and portfolio management practices across the Onboarding and Connections function.

As a people leader, you'll mentor and develop a team of project managers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement, delivery excellence and effective stakeholder engagement. You'll apply agile problem-solving and sound judgement to navigate complex project and stakeholder challenges.

Working closely with generation developers, Network Service Providers, government agencies, equipment manufacturers and other industry participants, you'll build trusted partnerships and strengthen AEMO's reputation as a valued partner in Australia's energy transition.

What you will bring to the role

Education/Certificates

Engineering, project management, regulatory or stakeholder management qualifications, and at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

Experience and Knowledge

Strong understanding of the National Electricity Law (NEL), National Electricity Rules (NER), and AEMO's role in the connection and registration process.

Experience delivering complex generator connection or energy infrastructure projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Strong commercial acumen, including an understanding of developer drivers, contractual considerations and large-scale project delivery.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with experience managing complex issues and escalations.

Ability to prepare high-quality reports and recommendations for senior leaders, regulators and industry stakeholders.

Skilled at communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

In return some of our benefitsto you

Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options

Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more.

Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.

Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).

Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process

At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at ******@aemo.com.au