Distributed Energy Resources Program Manager

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration Program Manager – 36-month Contract role

We are seeking a dynamic and results-focused leader with a passion for renewable energy and a deep belief in the energy transition toward decarbonisation. The ideal candidate will bring a strong working knowledge of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and an understanding of the opportunities and benefits they offer in driving the energy transformation. With a commitment to delivering impactful results, this individual will thrive on collaboration and innovation, leveraging their expertise to shape the future of Western Power’s DER initiatives and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable energy future.

The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration Program Manager will lead the implementation of a significant, multi-agency Distributed Energy Resources (DER) initiative of strategic importance to the state of WA, ensuring governance, milestone achievement, and stakeholder alignment. Reporting to the Head of Distribution Energy Transition, this role oversees program planning, execution, and delivery while managing budgets, risks, and organisational change. The position provides technical thought leadership, collaborates with key partners, and leads a small team to achieve program objectives. By driving cross-functional alignment and managing interdependencies, the role ensures timely delivery of high-impact outcomes for Western Power, the WA government, and other key stakeholders. The Program Manager is accountable for financial performance, regulatory compliance, and realising long-term business benefits. They act as a trusted advisor, resolving complex challenges and influencing senior leadership to drive transformation.

Your Role in Action  

• Accountable for providing program thought leadership in driving the successful planning, organising, design of solutions, and delivery of the assigned program and all interdependent projects.
• Manage the assigned program and associated projects with the mandate and accountability to ensure outcomes are achieved in a timely manner; cross-functional and initiative interdependencies, risks, issues, and assumptions are identified, monitored, and actively managed.
• Manage a specialist small team of professionals in the Program Management Office, directing, monitoring, managing, and evaluating performance; coach and guide staff to ensure they are effective in the delivery of the service; mentor and motivate to ensure optimum support to the overarching Project.
• Technically lead, coordinate, and manage the assigned program and or related projects through to conclusion on time, within budget, and in line with quality standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Act as the “go-to” and definitive thought and technical leader in their industry or field of expertise in providing significant guidance, advice, and counsel to support the resolution of complex issues.
• Develop strategic objectives and program scope, establish program resourcing as required and governance structures, and establish budget and resources to manage the program from inception to approval.
• Monitor and control all budgeted program expenditures in line with set-out constraints while taking appropriate mitigating or corrective actions where required.
• Successful risk management against regulatory, commercial, reputational, legal, and safety risks to ensure the program operates within its approved parameters.

What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Engineering, Business Management, Economics, Program Management, or related discipline. 
• A seasoned professional with broad and or deep range of knowledge and expertise gained through comprehensive energy industry or closely related experience. 
• Significant experienced in managing large scale complex programs of concurrent projects with multiple workstreams.
• Proven successful program delivery outcomes within tight timeframes within a complex environment.
• Advanced negotiation and relationship skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation including C Suite.
• Strong knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring, and controlling programs. 
• Ability to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve win-win outcomes.
• Ability to lead and influence program stakeholders and assigned project resources to achieve business outcomes.
• Ability to condense multiple information streams to make informed program decisions.
• Proven technical leadership and team building skills when managing large and complex programs and projects.
• Strategic perspective, strong analytical and business acumen capability, ability to think conceptually and ability to apply business context to when generating solutions.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including: 

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.  
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements. 
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year. 
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership. 
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme. 
• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.   
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy two wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.

• On-site café available for convenient meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter, no longer than two pages, that clearly outlines their passion for renewable energy and the energy transition toward decarbonisation. The cover letter should detail their relevant experience, and explain what motivates them to apply for the DER Integration Program Manager role. This is an opportunity to showcase their alignment with the program’s vision and demonstrate how their skills and values make them an ideal candidate for this strategically important position.

Applications close on 16 December 2024.

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

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