Manager - Future System Studies

Join to apply for the Manager - Future System Studies role at Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

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. Our Government partners are committed to a net zero economy by 2050, and our vision is to enable this. We co-design the future of our energy systems with core values of character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

Department: System Design
Division: Future Energy Systems
Reference number: 12581
Engagement type: Permanent

AEMO's System Design division plans the power system in the context of transformation to ensure a sustainable energy system that provides affordable, safe, and reliable energy for all Australians. The Future Energy Systems (FES) department sits within the System Design division and is accountable for establishing and implementing a strategy for engineering and operational readiness to prepare Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) for future conditions, including high renewable contributions. The department also has accountability for Type 2 Transitional Services to facilitate trials of new or existing technologies that support grid security in a low- or zero-emissions environment.

• Lead the Future System Studies team, attracting and developing a high-performing, inclusive and innovative culture. Manage external consultants as needed and contribute to enterprise leadership and stakeholder trust as a member of the FES Management team.
• Oversee the future power system study elements of the Engineering Roadmap and Transition Plan for System Security, analysing emerging phenomena, technology capabilities, and major transition points. Prioritise approaches to resolve pressing technical issues and enable timely action across industry.
• Develop and maintain power system study capability, tools, models, and future state cases for technical investigations.
• Lead the specification of technical requirements and capability from emerging technologies including grid forming inverters.
• Lead projects to help project proponents evaluate the service contributions of their assets.
• Deliver planning studies in collaboration with AEMO's System Security Planning team and TNSPs to prepare for future system transition points.
• Provide engineering expertise and advisory services to support reform development and implementation, ensuring policy, regulatory and market mechanisms consider technical and power system requirements.
• Motivate and enable the team to deliver on accountabilities and influence stakeholders to support timely action.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to provide expert advice on future power system development and energy system issues, influencing decision-making and maintaining information currency.
• Manage clear, concise, high-quality written and verbal communications to inform diverse audiences.
• Manage team budget, risk register, resourcing, and compliance obligations with clear performance expectations.

Education/Certificates

• Appropriate tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline (for example engineering).

Experience and Knowledge

• Deep expertise in the operation and planning of large power systems and the engineering challenges as the NEM transitions.
• Experience building and managing teams in complex technical environments with a service-oriented, outcome-focused culture.
• Experience in project planning, reporting, and delivery, ensuring projects meet budget and schedule with high quality.
• Ability to drive innovation and change, work strategically in ambiguity, and deliver outcomes under resistance.
• Strong analytical skills to review and critique modelled outcomes for stakeholder messaging.
• Strong verbal and written communication and editorial skills.
• Experience managing strategic changes requiring extensive stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
• Experience coordinating a variety of stakeholders with conflicting interests and delivering on time and budget.
• Experience facilitating industry working groups and resolving complex issues with diverse drivers.
• Experience managing matrixed resources with varying skills to meet time and budget constraints.
• Understanding of the NER, the NEM, and the rule change framework.

• 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.
• Up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have accessibility requirements, please email talent@aemo.com.au. For more about working at AEMO, visit our careers page.

For more information on AEMO, please visit www.aemo.com.au or our social media channels.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: Utilities