Principal Development Manager

At Powerlink, every possibility starts with you

We believe life's about possibilities. And so is the future. That's why we need you. 

We're working at the heart of Queensland's energy industry to maintain a safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission network. 

A career that matters and lasts

As a Principal Development Manager, you'll help us connect more than five million Queenslanders and 241,000 businesses to a world-class energy future. Your work with us is about every light turned on, every community connected, and every future made possible.  
 

Permanent, full-time positionBrisbane, Gladstone or Townsville based
 

We believe every employee deserves the opportunity to enjoy a work-life balance that enhances their overall wellbeing and performance through inclusive and supportive benefits.

Ask us about:
Flexible & hybrid working optionsCareer developmentCultural leave for ceremonial or sorry businessOther leave offerings (including 14 weeks paid parental leave – at full or half pay, plus additional leave purchasing) Inclusive workplace facilitiesHealth & wellbeing programs The opportunity:

As a Principal Development Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the early stages of some of Queensland's most significant linear infrastructure projects. This is where the success of our projects is built – long before construction begins. Your expertise will set the foundation for how we navigate complex regulatory environments, work in partnership with communities and Traditional Owners, and deliver projects that balance technical, environmental, and social outcomes.

Working closely with the Project Development Director, you'll set the overarching strategic direction for upstream development activities across a multi-billion-dollar portfolio. You'll lead and inspire a team of Senior Development Managers to deliver critical approvals, secure land access and acquisition, manage cultural heritage compliance, and meet native title requirements.

Your role will see you engaging at the highest levels – influencing regulators, government agencies, landholders, and industry stakeholders – while also ensuring our projects are well-planned, compliant, and aligned with community expectations. You'll oversee program-wide schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies to keep delivery on track, and drive positive outcomes through genuine engagement and social performance initiatives. You'll also provide regular updates to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making throughout the development process.

The people you'll join:

You'll join a highly skilled and collaborative team within our Community and Delivery Services (CDS) group. Our people bring deep expertise in major infrastructure delivery, a commitment to innovation, and a shared focus on doing what's right for our communities, Traditional Owners, and the environment. Together, we foster a culture of trust, respect, and accountability – where diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboration is encouraged. 

What you'll bring:
Degree level qualifications in a relevant field, coupled with demonstrated experience in delivering primary approvals, land access, land acquisition, cultural heritage, and native title for large scale projects.A proven track record in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, budget oversight, and risk mitigation.Experience in securing regulatory approvalsAn in-depth knowledge of native title legislation, cultural heritage protection laws, land access, and acquisition processes. Find your possibility today:

To kick start your career at Powerlink, apply by clicking the button above, attaching your resume and cover letter on our careers page before midnight on Sunday 24th August 2025. Please be aware our recruitment team will commence the review process during this period. 

To discuss any adjustment requirements or for more information on the role, contact Klaas at

You are welcome here.

You are welcome here at Powerlink, regardless of sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we're committed to building long-term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learn more about our commitment towards Reconciliation and greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

As a Veteran Employment Supporter, we highly value the skills Veterans bring. Let us know if you're a Veteran for tailored support.

Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants.

Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.

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