Title:  Head of Access and Engagement

Head of Access and Engagement

We bring the energy – through purpose and people

Not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

We’re in it together. Sound like the kind of team for you.

We’re looking for a Head of Access and Engagement to join our team. In this role you will be responsible for leading a team that provides subject matter expertise and advice across land acquisition and tenure, statutory planning, environmental approvals, cultural heritage, and community and stakeholder engagement to support the development and delivery of the WRL project.

You will lead and integrate the access and engagement portfolio to secure timely approvals, protect environmental and cultural values, and earn and sustain social value, while achieving voluntary land access and land assembly outcomes that enable construction and long-term operation of the project—safely, lawfully, and respectfully.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of project business plans to ensure delivery of strategic and operational priorities.
• Ensure directorate priorities and activities are aligned with broader project business plan, strategies, policies, and governance frameworks.
• Work proactively with other directorates to identify interdependencies, opportunities for continuous improvement, and support consistent delivery of project outcomes.
• Build strong relationships and promote systems thinking across directorates to support shared understanding, joint problem‑solving, and informed decision‑making.
• Support the delivery of strategies and plans that deliver on WRL’s Strategy and Business plans, while complying with all relevant statutory requirements and the expectations of the project steer co.
• Play a leadership role across the WRL directorate team in the achievement of strategic objectives and continually improving the culture and engagement of the team
• Budget ownership for portfolio costs; implement performance dashboards, risk management and assurance frameworks.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with EES conditions, planning permits, and environmental obligations through audits and reporting.
• Maintain and update project management plans in line with audit schedules and legislative changes.

You don’t need to check every box, however we’re looking for a good combination of:

• Tertiary degree (bachelor’s or above) in Environmental Science, Communications or other related field
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, and the management of land, planning and environment activities within large-scale projects
• Experience in landowner/stakeholder engagement and negotiation of property transactions
• Experience in and demonstrated understanding of external planning and approvals in infrastructure context
• Deep familiarity with Victorian EES framework, planning scheme amendments, Aboriginal Heritage Act processes/CHMPs, EPBC Act interfaces.
• Proven delivery of complex, contentious projects involving agricultural landscapes and multi‑agency governance.
• Excellent public communication; ability to present to panels, councils, and community forums.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex and high-profile land, planning and environment approvals for major infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of the statutory planning and State and Federal environmental approvals processes
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in relevant government departments and working groups
• Detailed understanding of relevant planning and utility legislation

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Growing your impact: We’ll support you to build your career through real opportunities and strong connections.

• When life happens, knowing we’ve got your back: Whether it's life's big moments or the unexpected little ones, we get it - sometimes you just need to be there.

• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

AusNet. We bring the energy. Want to be part of it too? Apply now.