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. Australian governments are committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We co-design the future of our energy systems, guided by core values of character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this energy transition.

Department : System Design

Division: Future Energy Systems

Reference number: 12581

Engagement type: Permanent

About The Role

Managing a team of up to ten individuals, the Manager - Future System Studies leads an engineering centre of excellence and a team of highly skilled, future-focused power system engineers who are at the cutting edge of power system engineering. The incumbent and senior staff will lead technical voices on emerging power system phenomena, identify risks ahead of time, and enable proactive solutions. You will be a trusted partner of Network Service Providers (NSPs), and AEMO's operational and planning teams, providing high quality service and advice.

Flexibility to be based in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney (CBD or Norwest), Adelaide, Hobart, or Perth.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead the Future System Studies team including attracting, retaining, nurturing, and developing a high-performing team that demonstrates AEMO's values and has an inclusive and innovative culture. Manage external consultants as required. Contribute to enterprise leadership and stakeholder trust as a member of the FES Management team and support the development and implementation of Departmental, Divisional and team initiatives in line with overall strategies.
• Lead the future power system study elements of the Engineering Roadmap and Transition Plan for System Security, including analysis of emerging power system phenomena, new technology capabilities, and major system transition points, working with key internal and external stakeholders. Prioritise approaches that resolve the most pressing technical issues and enable timely action across industry to support a secure energy transition.
• 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 evaluating the service contributions of assets.
• Deliver a program of planning studies in collaboration with AEMO's System Security Planning team and Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) to prepare for future system transition points.
• Provide engineering expertise and advisory services to support reform development and implementation, ensuring new policy, regulatory and market mechanisms consider technical and power system engineering requirements.
• Enable the secure operation of a rapidly transforming NEM power system by motivating and enabling the team to deliver on accountabilities and influence stakeholders.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to provide expert advice on future power system development and energy system issues, influencing decision-making and maintaining currency of information.
• Manage written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Manage team budget, risk register, resourcing, and compliance obligations with clear performance expectations for staff.

What You Will Bring To The Role

Education/Certificates

• Appropriate tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g., engineering).

Experience and Knowledge

• Deep expertise in the operation and planning of large power systems and the engineering challenges of transitioning the NEM power system.
• Experience building and managing teams in complex technical environments, fostering service-oriented, outcome-focused, and pragmatic problem solving.
• Experience in project planning, reporting, and delivery; ensuring projects meet budget, schedule, and quality.
• Experience driving innovation and change, strategic thinking about future requirements, and delivering outcomes amid ambiguity.
• Strong analytical skills to review and approve modelled outcomes used in stakeholder messages.
• Strong verbal and written communication and editorial skills.
• Experience managing strategic changes requiring extensive stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders with conflicting interests to achieve agreed outcomes on time and budget.
• Experience facilitating industry working groups and resolving complex issues across stakeholders with varied objectives.
• Experience managing matrixed resources with differing skill sets to meet time and budget requirements.
• Understanding of the NER, the NEM, and the Rule change framework.

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
• Volunteer leave and community giving opportunities
• Annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility)
• Wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

About Our Process

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including those 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 information on working at AEMO, please check our careers page.

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

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Information Technology

• Utilities

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) by 2x

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2 weeks ago