Chief Executive Officer, Australian Energy Regulator, SES Band 3

Overview

• High impact role in the regulation of the gas and electricity markets in Australia
• Opportunity to lead a dedicated and capable team
• Collaborate and influence at senior, national levels

About The Australian Energy Regulator

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) works to make Australian energy consumers better off, now and in the future. The AER focuses on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions. Our Strategic Plan 2020-2025 describes how we will achieve this, under 4 strategic objectives:

• Protect vulnerable consumers while enabling all consumers to participate in electricity and gas markets
• Effectively regulate competitive electricity and gas markets primarily though monitoring and reporting, and enforcement and compliance
• Deliver efficient regulation of monopoly electricity and gas infrastructure while incentivising networks to become platforms for energy services
• Evolve our regulatory frameworks and approaches to support the transition to net zero emissions.

Amidst evolving economic conditions, we require a leader who can navigate the complex regulatory landscapes and help shape the AER into a recognised, high performing regulator who is committed to transparently with all stakeholders invested in the affordable and reliable supply of energy.

About The Role

The AER's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) performs a critical role in leading and delivering the day to day operational aspects of the AER, in line with the AER Board's expectations.

Key Accountabilities And Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction, including supporting the development of and execution of the AER's Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and Corporate Plan, embedding a culture of performance, accountability, and innovation across the agency.
• Develop and manage the AER's annual budget, ensuring activities are conducted within approved parameters and aligned with the strategic priorities
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team, assigning responsibilities clearly, supervising performance and fostering a high performing, values-driven culture
• Maintain regular contact with the Chair ensuring timely communication of developments that might require board-level action
• Oversee strategic and operational planning, identifying objectives and strategies required to achieve the AER's approved strategic plan
• Recommend significant operational changes to the Board as required, ensuring responsiveness to emerging challenges and opportunities
• Ensure the Board is provided with accurate, timely and clear information and materials, enabling effective governance and decision making
• Implement board approved policies, processes and codes, ensuring alignment with broader APS governance frameworks
• Instil and reinforce the AER's purpose and values, promoting ethical and responsible behaviour, innovation, and excellence
• Represent the AER externally, providing a strong, credible presence in engagements with senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and consumer groups. Model exemplary standards of behaviour, stewarding the agency and articulating the organisation's culture thereby fostering a positive internal climate.
• Attract, engage and retain high performing employees creating and sustaining a culture and workplace that support them to thrive and deliver productive outcomes for the AER.

Selection Criteria

• Executive-level management experience and a proven track record of leadership within a dynamic, complex, and multifaceted public or private sector environment.
• Understanding of the operations of governments and regulators.
• Knowledge of Australian electricity and gas markets, and the role, purpose and objectives of the AER.
• Proven ability to manage performance against budget, organisational and cultural change, operational risk and lead innovation.
• Tertiary qualifications in law, economics / commerce, engineering, public policy or related fields.

Why Work with Us?

Opportunity to make a difference: As the CEO of the AER, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the lives of consumers and the future of secure, reliable and affordable energy across Australia. You will lead a dedicated team committed to excellence and innovation, shaping the future of energy in Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions.

Inclusive Culture: Our high-performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support, and inclusion, ensuring an environment where everyone can thrive.

Flexible Working Arrangements: We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to suit your needs.

Comprehensive Benefits: Salary sacrificing, contemporary leave entitlements and more.

How to Apply

Submit an application including your resume (maximum 2 pages) and a maximum 500-word statement of claims addressing the selection criteria in the candidate kit, through the ACCC Careers Page at https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/careers.

Closing Date: 11:00pm (AEDT), Monday 22 September 2025

Recruitment Contact: For further information, email publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call Andrew McEncroe from Derwent on 0416 018 860

Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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