Senior Project Planner

Division : System Design

Department : Onboarding & Connections

Reference number : 12486

Engagement type : Permanent

AEMO at the Heart of Energy

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.

Manage complex energy engineering programs for large infrastructure projects. Experience with MS Projects and Project Management qualifications are highly desirable. Strong technical background and significant stakeholder engagement skills are required. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with based offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide. We offer an excellent culture and benefits. Impactful project management skills are valued, and energy/engineering sector experience is highly desirable.

The System Design Division plays a critical role in AEMO's success, driving the organisation's collaborative and industry-wide efforts to meet 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 and storage into the National Electricity Market.

About the role

As a Senior Project Planner in the Onboarding and Connections team, you will help shape the future of the energy sector by supporting the timely delivery of new and existing generation and storage projects. You will develop and manage delivery plans across a portfolio of diverse connection projects—spanning transmission and distribution—and support the rollout of a consistent project management framework across the NEM.

You will also work closely with the Connections Reform team to embed process improvements into business-as-usual operations. Your stakeholders will include Network Service Providers (NSPs), generation developers, investors, equipment and technology providers, consultants, government bodies, and internal AEMO teams.

What you will be doing

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans and forecasts in collaboration with project managers and engineering leads, ensuring visibility for both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Accurately estimate task efforts and support resource planning by allocating engineering hours and forecasting short- and long-term needs.
• Drive consistent project delivery by embedding Connections Reform Initiative (CRI) improvements and promoting structured planning practices across regions.
• Proactively manage project risks, including time, cost, and scope variations, and maintain clear escalation and communication processes.
• Create portfolio reports and tracking tools to support management oversight, resource prioritisation, and timely delivery of critical milestones.

What you will bring to the role

Education

• Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate discipline (project management, engineering, or a related field).
• Recognised project management certification is well regarded.
• Expert skills in using Microsoft Project.

Experience, Knowledge, and Capabilities

• Strong knowledge of the energy sector, including regulatory, commercial, and legal considerations for large infrastructure projects.
• Experience in planning and delivering complex projects or programs in energy, engineering, or similar industries.
• Skilled in managing multi-disciplinary teams, project controls, and client relationships, with a proactive and collaborative approach.
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Project (e.g., Macros, custom reporting, Gantt views) and familiarity with CRM and Enterprise Project Management systems.
• Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to engage stakeholders and deliver clear updates both written and verbal.

In return, some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working options: 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 programs, discounted health insurance, gym perks, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, neurodivergence, and individuals who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Please let us know if you have accessibility requirements during the application or interview process by emailing us at [contact email].