Principal Project Manager - Connections Reform Initiative

Job Description

Career Opportunities: Principal Project Manager - Connections Reform Initiative (11958) Requisition ID 11958 - Posted - AEMO Office (6) - Project Management Be at the forefront of the energy transition streamlining connections and working in a supportive, positive team to accelerate progress! Project management focus - stakeholder engagement / lead a multi-million dollar budget. Able to be based in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Sydney (CBD or Norwest). Reform/Government/Industry background. Hybrid working, excellent company culture, great benefits and annual bonus. AEMO at the Heart of Energy We are the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), committed to designing and operating a sustainable energy system that delivers safe, reliable, and affordable electricity and gas. Our mission includes facilitating the transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050, working collaboratively with industry partners to achieve 100% renewable generation capability by 2025. 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 mission in the energy sector. About the role The Onboarding and Connections (O&C) Division is responsible for the end-to-end connection process across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Operationally, the division works closely with transmission and distribution network service providers in supporting project developers and equipment manufacturers through the application, registration and commissioning phases of the project lifecycle to enable release to full operation. The division is responsible for recommending projects for NEM registration and full commercial operation. In its role, the division provides guidance to all parties regarding connection assessment requirements and materials to be provided. Reporting into the Team Lead – Reform PM’s, the position leads AEMO’s major connection reforms, focusing on the Connections Reform Initiative (CRI), established with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) in 2021 to improve the NEM connections process. Key duties include overseeing CRI workstreams, managing stakeholders, negotiating solutions, and aligning CRI efforts with broader AEMO and industry initiatives, such as Renewable Energy Zones and the Engineering Roadmap to 100% Renewables. Success relies on designing effective consultation and collaboration processes. We require a highly skilled program manager who can communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, provide clear project updates, and work confidently in situations with ambiguity. What you will be doing Lead AEMO’s Connections Reform Initiative (CRI) program, representing AEMO on industry working groups and ensuring alignment across overlapping workstreams. Develop and maintain procedures, policies, and controls, including detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. Prepare high-quality communication for technical and non-technical stakeholders. Create and execute stakeholder management plans, leading negotiations among diverse parties with conflicting interests. Identify, monitor, and address project risks and issues, providing regular updates and escalating as needed. Foster a service-oriented culture, strengthening AEMO’s reputation as a trusted partner within government and industry. Drive improvements in technical collaboration, industry problem-solving, and transparent decision-making. Budget and monetary accountabilities Manage a project budget of up to $5 million, including expenditure, cost recovery from industry, and governance of recovery processes, while overseeing up to ten matrixed resources contributing expertise in various areas, managing up to four technical consultancies, and ensuring compliance with AEMO’s financial governance policies. What you will bring to the role Education/Certificates Project management qualifications and stakeholder engagement experience. Engineering or regulatory/policy qualifications to support the above would be considered useful. Experience and Knowledge Proven experience managing large, multi-workstream programs and strategic reform projects involving extensive stakeholder engagement and negotiation. Skilled in building and leading project teams with a proactive, outcome-focused culture and pragmatic problem-solving approach. Expertise in navigating conflicting stakeholder interests to achieve agreed outcomes on time and within budget. Experience managing diverse matrixed resources to meet project objectives under time and budget constraints. Strong understanding of the NER, NEM, Rule change framework, and challenges faced by generation developers, including their commercial drivers. In return some of our benefits to 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 AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at If you would like to know more about working at AEMO, please check out our careers page for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr