The Forward Planning Lead

AusNet Services Ltd; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AusNet Services Ltd in Victoria seeks a Forward Planning Lead (Distribution) to optimize distribution works through resource planning, integrated programs, and deliverability assurance. You will work with internal teams and external partners to balance asset and customer needs while improving planning accuracy and efficiency.

You will lead forecasting, scenario development and delivery strategies, influencing leadership on risks, opportunities and investments.

Qualifications

• Experience in capacity planning and workforce analysis within regulated utility environments.
• Strong ability to develop and maintain integrated forward work programs.
• Proven track record in resource forecasting and delivery risk management.
• Advanced analytical skills to synthesize multiple inputs and present clear findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with senior stakeholders.
• Experience with SAP, ERP systems and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of monthly, annual and long-term works plans within constraints.
• Collaborate with Network Management, Operations and Asset Management on outage and works plans.
• Develop forward work programs optimizing sequencing, bundling and resource use.
• Analyse volumes, delivery performance and capacity to provide scenarios and insights.
• Provide deliverability assurance across programs considering outages and material availability.
• Lead resource forecasting and identify future workforce requirements and risks.
• Influence stakeholders to align assumptions, priorities and commitments.
• Partner with Delivery Partners to improve efficiency and program performance.
• Lead reporting and performance analysis on delivery, risk and opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies and tools.

Skills

Capacity planning

Resource planning

Stakeholder engagement

SAP

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Communication skills

IT proficiency

Tools

SAP

MS Office

GIS

Job description

We bring the energy!

Through purpose and people - not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

We all want a future of energy we can be proud of. With us you can.

The Forward Planning Lead (Distribution) is responsible for enabling the efficient delivery of all Distribution works by monitoring delivery partner resource capacity and work throughput, while developing integrated work plans that optimise delivery and minimise impacts to customers and communities.

With a hybrid working arrangement, this role is based in Southbank and sits within the Works Management Team

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Lead the development of monthly, annual and long-term works plans, balancing asset, customer, regulatory and operational requirements within resource and delivery constraints.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Network Management, Operations, Delivery and Asset Management to develop integrated outage and works plans that support safe, efficient and customer-focused outcomes.
• Develop and maintain forward work programs, optimising delivery sequencing, geographic bundling, resource utilisation and work packaging to maximise productivity and minimise costs.
• Analyse work volumes, delivery performance, resource capacity and operational constraints to provide delivery scenarios, strategic insights and decision support.
• Provide deliverability assurance across works programs through assessment of resource capacity, outage requirements, delivery methodologies, material availability and commercial considerations.
• Lead resource forecasting and capacity planning activities, identifying future workforce requirements, delivery risks and emerging constraints.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to align planning assumptions, priorities and resource commitments to achieve efficient delivery outcomes.
• Partner with Delivery Partners to identify and implement opportunities to improve delivery efficiency, productivity and program performance.
• Lead reporting and performance analysis, providing visibility of program delivery, resource capacity, emerging risks and improvement opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement in planning methodologies, processes and tools to enhance planning accuracy, delivery efficiency and organisational capability.
• Optimise deployment of internal and external resources to maximise throughput, delivery performance and customer outcomes.
• Provide strategic advice to leadership on delivery risks, opportunities, resource requirements and alternative delivery scenarios to support investment and portfolio planning decisions.

You don't need to check every box; however, we are looking for a good combination of:

• Demonstrated Experience within the utility sector and a thorough understanding of regulated businesses and network requirements.
• Experience in project, program and resource planning within a complex environment and understanding of associated methodologies.
• Capacity Planning and workforce analysis skills
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to synthesise numerous inputs and present clear findings and recommendations.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills to proactively engage with key senior stakeholders, lead meetings and influence outcomes.
• Proven reporting experience in a business or complex regulated environment including strong SAP, Reporting and ERP system experience.
• Ability to prioritise business outcomes and promote continuous improvement of digital platforms and processes.
• Strong IT and systems knowledge, including but not limited to MS Office, scheduling tools and GIS systems.
• Demonstrated success at developing effective business relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across all levels.
• Experience in developing and implementing change projects and process improvements.

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Growing your impact: We’ll support you to build your career through real opportunities and strong connections.
• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

At AusNet, we bring the energy! Ready to make your impact?