Team Lead

Department : System Design

Division: Onboarding & Connections

Reference number: 12640

Engagement type: Permanent

Drive Australia's energy future—lead a team delivering 250+ NEM connection projects across the grid. Strong knowledge of National Electricity Law & rules. Hybrid working - able to be based out of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide. Strong experience with stakeholders, OEMs, NSPs & govt. Reporting focus. Background in energy, utilities, construction or infrastructure preferred.

AEMO at the Heart of Energy
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 now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

The System Design Division plays a critical role in AEMO's success, driving the organisation's collaborative and industry-wide efforts in meeting the engineering challenges of a net-zero energy system. The Division includes specialist areas in system planning, forecasting, future energy as well as onboarding and connections.

The Onboarding and Connections Group manages AEMO's end to end process for connecting, registering, and commissioning generators into the National Electricity Market.

About The Team
Our Onboarding and Connections Team are at the forefront of energy industry transformation. We collaborate with generation developers, Network Service Providers (NSPs), and government agencies to drive project delivery, accelerate connections, and provide expert advisory services on system impact and critical issue resolution.

About The Role
Reporting to the Manager, Connections Delivery in Onboarding and Connections, this role can be based across all states except Perth. AEMO provides an essential service and actively promotes flexible working arrangements. We have strong team structures, culture, and communication tools in place to ensure all employees remain connected to each other and the broader organisation.

With more than 160 GW of new generation to connect over the next 30 years, this role offers the opportunity to lead a team of project managers delivering a diverse portfolio of connections projects across the NEM. You'll work closely with developers and Network Service Providers (NSPs) across transmission and distribution, ensuring effective, timely delivery while strengthening AEMO's partnerships within the energy industry.

As Team Lead, You Will

• Guide a team of project managers/planners in end-to-end delivery of connection projects.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders and champion AEMO's partnership model.
• Oversee project milestones, delivery risks, and detailed planning across the NEM.
• Improve visibility of project costs and support enhancements to invoicing processes.
• Drive project management excellence by embedding consistent frameworks and practices.
• Manage consultancy engagement to ensure efficiency, quality, and alignment with AEMO values.
• Champion process improvements through Connections Reform Initiatives, technical standards, and regulatory change.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge-sharing, and positive workplace values.

This role gives you the opportunity to visit projects you've helped create, build your reputation through industry forums and conferences, and mentor junior team members while shaping the future of Australia's energy system.

What You Will Be Doing
Leading a team of up to nine staff, you will oversee embedded consultants and contractors as needed, and drive performance development aligned to AEMO's goals, values, and vision.

• Lead and coach the Project Management team, ensuring consistent frameworks and practices across the NEM.
• Drive transparency and accountability on project status, scope, timelines, costs, and risks.
• Apply agile problem-solving to resolve project and stakeholder issues quickly and effectively.
• Oversee portfolio reporting, ensuring clear and consistent communication across regions.
• Strengthen AEMO's reputation as a trusted partner with developers, NSPs, government, and industry stakeholders.

What You Will Bring To The Role
Education

Engineering, project management, regulatory or stakeholder management qualifications, and at least 10 years of relevant industry experience

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of the National Electricity Law, Rules, and AEMO's role in connections and registration.
• Proven experience managing generator connection processes and delivering projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Skilled in negotiating complex project issues, managing escalations, and balancing competing priorities.
• Solid understanding of generation developers' commercial drivers, constraints, and broader legal/commercial issues.
• Ability to prepare high-quality reports for regulators, senior management, and external stakeholders.
• Confident in communicating technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.

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.
• Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process
At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at

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