AddressAbout Solar Accreditation Australia: Launched in February 2024, Solar Accreditation Australia is the national accreditation Scheme Operator for over 9000 renewable energy installers and designers. Our role includes overseeing accreditation under Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. We are a stand-alone organisation with an independent chair and governance structure and stand at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, championing excellence and reliability.
Solar Accreditation Australia supports a renewable energy transition and a lowering of Australia’s carbon emissions. We view the renewable energy industry as a growing speciality field with constant technological advances and recognise the need for more people to join the industry to meet energy transition targets as set by Governments. We believe that through a robust accreditation scheme, we can ensure industry fairness and continuous improvements for all participants.
Solar Accreditation Australia works proactively and collaboratively with industry, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the national accreditation scheme promotes best practices, encourages continuous professional development, and supports a growing workforce to deliver clean energy solutions for Australian households and businesses.
Endorsed by the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Regulator, Solar Accreditation Australia provides accreditation and compliance services to ensure high standards of industry training, safety, and standards to build and maintain confidence in the solar industry through the integrity of the accreditation mark.
Position Overview: The position of Chief Executive (CE) encompasses the role and responsibilities of the Scheme Operator – a role created to:
- lead the operational functions and strategic direction of Solar Accreditation Australia
- ensure adherence to accreditation standards; maintain industry compliance.
- drive innovation; foster stakeholder relationships
- promote the organisation's mission of ensuring high standards and support to accredited installers and designers.
- build a diverse and inclusive workforce and create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.
Reporting to the Solar Accreditation Australia Board, the CE will:
- provide leadership of the organisation to the team and board in managing day-to-day operations
- drive innovation through technology and data-driven decision-making
- foster stakeholder relationships across the Solar Accreditation Australia network and industry
- drive new initiatives to advance improved renewable energy operational practices.
Position Goals: The CE will be at the forefront of the organisation, responsible for providing strategic direction, driving growth, and ensuring operational excellence. The CE will professionally engage, both internally and externally to ensure efficient management of accreditation processes, compliance activities, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
By fostering a culture of inclusion, excellence and innovation within the organisation, the CE, in undertaking the responsibilities of the Scheme Operator, will uphold the organisation's reputation as a trusted independent accreditation body in the renewable energy sector. The CE will also be expected to foster growth and seek new opportunities in ways that fit the organisation’s core purpose.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight:
- Provide leadership in managing day-to-day operations, ensuring adherence to accreditation standards and industry regulations
- Oversee accreditation processes, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness in delivering accreditation services
- Monitor and publish operational reporting statistics and manage productivity, customer service, and quality assurance efforts
- Foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the organisation, promoting continuous improvements in technology, user experiences and best practices
- Cultivate an inclusive workplace that encourages professional and personal development.
Organisational Goals:
- Implement strategies to achieve organisational goals and objectives
- Drive initiatives to enhance accreditation services, promote industry compliance, and support the growth of the solar energy sector
- Collaborate with the Board and stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives that advance the organisation’s purpose and objectives
- Identify industry opportunities that enable the organisation to grow.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serve as the spokesperson for the organisation, engaging with industry stakeholders, advocacy groups, and government bodies to promote the organisation's purpose and objectives.
- Cultivate and maintain effective, professional relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support the organisation’s initiatives.
- Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and forums to enhance visibility and promote collaboration within the solar energy sector
- Proactively develop and distribute regular and effective communications on issues relevant to the solar accreditation community.
Strategic Leadership & Management:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Solar Accreditation Australia team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and supportive work environment
- Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement a strategic plan and initiatives that support the organisation's growth and development
- Lead initiatives to enhance organisational efficiency, streamline processes, and improve service delivery.
Financial Management:
- Oversee budgetary planning and expenditure management to ensure prudent financial management
- Monitor financial performance and ensure alignment with budgetary goals and objectives
- Collaborate with the Board and finance team to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organisation’s purpose and objectives.
Compliance & Quality Assurance:
- Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, industry regulations, and best practices
- Implement and maintain quality assurance processes to ensure the integrity and credibility of Solar Accreditation Australia’s accreditation services
- Monitor and assess operational performance to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed
- Identify, assess and mitigate compliance risks including evaluating potential impacts of breaches, implementing preventative measures and developing contingency plans to address breaches effectively.
Key Relationships:
- Position reports to the Solar Accreditation Australia Board
- Direct reports: The executive team comprising the Scheme Administrator, Chief Compliance Officer and, Financial Manager
- Internal: the Board, Accreditation and other Committees as established, Staff
- External: the Clean Energy Regulator and other relevant Government Agencies, Industry Stakeholders, and Advocacy Groups.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to Australia’s transition towards a sustainable, clean energy future. The position is based in Brisbane. It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to take up the position within 4 weeks of being advised of their success and will be required to regularly work from the Solar Accreditation Australia office currently located in Fortitude Valley - particularly over the next 12-18 months while the organisation matures, transparent governance measures are embedded, and other positions are filled.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application package, including:
- Cover Letter: Please outline your qualifications, experience, and reasons for applying for the position of Chief Executive.
- Resume/CV: Provide a detailed summary of your professional background, including relevant education, employment history, and achievements including: -
- Proven track record of leadership success in the clean energy sector or related industries, including experience in senior executive roles
- Deep understanding of clean energy technologies, market trends, continuing professional development requirements and regulatory frameworks
- Exceptional strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and opportunities
- Examples of adapting and adjusting to new regulations, industry trends and/or emerging risks to ensure ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and engage stakeholders
- Experience in change management and organisational development
- Demonstrated ability to drive results and deliver on ambitious goals
- Commitment to promoting excellence, reliability, and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
- References: Please include contact information for at least two professional references who can speak to your qualifications and leadership abilities.
Applications should be submitted by Monday 20 May 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
SAA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
