Future Networks Manager

We are unique

We are a regional business that thinks on a global level. We work with determined, passionate and curious people to empower communities to share and use energy for a better tomorrow. With a network that powers 95% of NSW and parts of Southern Queensland, we ensure homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and services stay connected.

We are currently recruiting for a permanent Future Networks Manager. This role can be based anywhere within Essential Energy's operational footprint with Port Macquarie being the desired location.

About the role

As the Future Networks Manager, you will lead the strategic direction and delivery of programs that shape the future of Essential Energy's network. Your role will be pivotal in enabling the transition to a high-penetration distributed energy environment, ensuring the network is future-ready and aligned with corporate objectives. You'll be responsible for developing long-term strategies, leading innovation initiatives, and translating external industry shifts into actionable business strategies. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a balance of technical insight, commercial acumen, and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership to shape the future capabilities of Essential Energy's network.
• Leading innovation and agile implementation aligned with industry trends and customer energy resources.
• Developing business cases and economic assessments for future network initiatives like Stand Alone Power Systems, Microgrids and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Driving cross-functional collaboration to deliver strategic programs and capability development.
• Representing Essential Energy in regulatory and strategic forums to influence policy and direction.

About You

You are a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the electricity distribution industry and a passion for innovation. Your ability to navigate complex challenges, influence stakeholders, and drive strategic outcomes sets you apart. You bring a strong commercial mindset, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to continuous improvement. With your experience in developing and implementing future-focused strategies, you are ready to lead Essential Energy into the next era of energy transformation.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in strategic planning, innovation, and regulatory engagement within the energy sector.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing high-performing teams and delivering change.
• Advanced analytical and modelling skills to support strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement abilities across all levels of business and government.

Required qualifications
- A degree in Engineering (required); qualifications in Business, Commerce or Economics are desirable.

Why Essential Energy

Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of employee benefits through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Qantas, Optus, nib and Mildura Health Fund. You will also gain access to our Health and Wellbeing programs including fitness passport. Visit our employee benefits page for more information.

We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.

An energy network doesn't just keep the lights on… it's a living network that needs to adapt to new and emerging energy generation technologies while still meeting the energy needs of customers.

It requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration to bring people together to solve the energy delivery challenges of the modern world.

Your potential will be realised, and you'll feel a real sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing you have a pivot role to play in delivering the energy of the future to the people who need it today.

For further information please review PD NET0958 or contact Cory Urquhart, Group Head Strategy & Future Networks on

Applications close on Thursday 16 October at 11:55pm.

Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart.

Building a better energy future.

Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.

At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to Essential Energy (including alternate formats of application forms or alternate ways for accessibility). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact or call us on