Chief Executive Officer, Leader in Energy Transition

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer, Australian Energy Regulator

About Us:

The Australian Energy Regulator works to make Australian energy consumers better off, now and in the future.

We focus on ensuring a secure, reliable, and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions.

Our strategic plan describes how we will achieve this, under four strategic objectives:

• Protect vulnerable consumers while enabling all consumers to participate in electricity and gas markets
• Effectively regulate competitive electricity and gas markets primarily through monitoring, reporting, enforcement, and compliance
• Deliver efficient regulation of monopoly electricity and gas infrastructure while incentivising networks to become platforms for energy services
• Evaluate 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 us into a recognised, high-performing regulator who is committed to transparently engaging with all stakeholders invested in the affordable and reliable supply of energy.

The Role:

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

Key Responsibilities:

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

Selection Criteria:

Executive-level management experience and a proven track record of leadership within a dynamic, complex, 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 Australian Energy Regulator

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 Australian Energy Regulator, contribute to the lives of consumers and the future of secure, reliable, and affordable energy across Australia

Lead a dedicated team focused on excellence and innovation as the energy sector transitions to net zero emissions

Inclusive Culture: A high-performing culture built on care, support, and inclusion where everyone can thrive

Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible options to support work-life balance

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 relevant careers page