Change Manager - Connections Reform

Experienced Change Manager within the energy industry or regulated market who excels in complex reform programs. This is a dynamic opportunity to be at the frontline of transition - transforming how we operate! Able to be based in Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney (CBD or Norwest). Hybrid & flexible working, excellent company culture with great benefits!

AEMO at the Heart of Energy

We are the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), committed to designing and operating a sustainable energy system that delivers safe, reliable, and affordable electricity and gas. Our mission includes facilitating the transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050, working collaboratively with industry partners to achieve 100% renewable generation capability by 2025. 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 mission in the energy sector.

About the Role Sitting within the System Design division, the Onboarding and Connections (O&C) department is responsible for the end to end connection process across the National Electricity Market (NEM). Operationally, it works closely with transmission and distribution network service providers in supporting project developers and equipment manufacturers through the application, registration, and commissioning phases of the project lifecycle to enable release to full operation.

This new position of Change Manager will lead and coordinate transformative activities for the Connections Reform program, covering Connections Reform initiative (CRI) workstreams, regulatory changes, and jurisdictional renewable energy zones (REZ) development. This dynamic role involves spearheading communication, education, training, and operational readiness to ensure successful implementation.

From change impact analysis to hands on implementation, the Change Manager supports AEMO Managers and teams, fostering new practices through coaching and engagement. Additionally the incumbent will collaborate with O&C industry partners to ensure awareness and understanding of the impactful changes among industry stakeholders, including governments, developers, original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) and network service providers (NSP’s).

The successful individual demonstrates expertise in energy or regulated markets, is adept at driving change, liaising with stakeholders, and influencing senior leaders.

What you will be doing

• Lead the development and implementation of a change management strategy for Connections Reform program.
• Plan and lead change activities across a number of concurrent Connections Reform projects.
• Proactively manage and be responsible for successful delivery of organisational change management activities including stakeholder analysis, change impact assessments, communication and engagement plans, Training and Support Plans, change effectiveness, post-implementation reviews, and status reports.
• Track and share change progress towards agreed outcomes.
• Provide day-to-day support to connection reform project teams.
• Conduct change readiness assessments to confirm employee preparedness and business readiness to support and adopt change.
• Identify, document and monitor business and industry readiness risks and issues.
• Facilitate process reviews and conduct workshops as required to deliver project change activities and business outcomes.
• Prepare clear, concise, and high quality written and verbal communication to inform internal or external stakeholders on a range of issues for both technical and non-technical audiences.

What you will bring to the role

• Tertiary and/or post graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline (such as communications or stakeholder engagement) and/or active industry experience.
• Project management, engineering, and/or regulatory / policy qualifications to support the above would be considered useful.
• Strong experience in the energy industry (or industry in a regulated market). Preferable: knowledge and experience in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
• Experience in successful development and implementation of change management strategies and plans as well as knowledge of and practice in change methodologies for multiple projects.
• Experience supporting complex reform programs with demonstrated track record in successfully implementing change.
• High level interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability work with and influence senior leaders to gain buy-in to enable change to happen.
• Understanding of project management and stakeholder engagement disciplines.

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 

AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at ******@aemo.com.au