Principal Operational Systems Strategist

Principal Operations System Strategist – Permanent Full Time – Perth CBD

Join our Network Operations team and shape the future of Western Power’s Operational Systems. Lead strategic initiatives, deliver system enhancements, and provide technical thought leadership to keep our Transmission and Distribution networks running smoothly. Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, manage risks, and drive outcomes that make a real impact across the business.

Your Role in Action  

• Develop and deliver detailed short-, medium- and long-term strategic plans for the key operational systems used by Network Operations and Western Power
• Change management / communicating the change process and benefits to ensure support from key stakeholders and the effective implementation of the initiative / program.
• Lead and influence cross functional representation and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of solutions.
• Ensure all resources are provided where required for the timely delivery of expected outcomes.
• Matrix management of internal experts to ensure appropriate inputs to achieve overall strategic objectives.
• Understand the complex regulatory environment and reputational impact to Western Power.
• Oversee multiple Operational Systems programs and associated initiatives with the mandate to ensure outcomes are achieved in a timely manner; manage cross function and complex initiative interdependencies, risks, issues, and ensure assumptions are identified, monitored, and actively managed.
• Act as the “go-to” and definitive thought and technical leader by providing significant guidance, advice, and counsel to support the resolution of complex issues.
• Develop strategic objectives and governance structures, develop business cases as required, establish budget and resources through the IRC process and work closely with delivery partners to deliver from inception to approval.
• Ensure that activities operate in line with internal policies, frameworks, and procedures.
• Ensure that activities comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards.
• Determine business information requirements and manage internal relationships to provide the necessary support.
• Provide high level technical and strategic advice on Operational Systems to the Head of Function.
• Successful risk management against regulatory, commercial, reputational, legal and safety risks.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Economics, Project Management, Finance, or equivalent of a trade qualification and 20+ years of direct electricity industry experience.
• A seasoned professional with broad and/or deep Operational Systems knowledge and expertise gained through comprehensive experience with a minimum of 10 years’ experience
• Significant experience developing short-, medium- and long-term strategies in complex environments involving multiple systems
• Proven successful strategic delivery outcomes within tight timeframes within a complex environment.
• Strong negotiation and relationship skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation including Executive.
• Strong knowledge of techniques, tools and approaches for strategic planning, prioritisation, delivery, and stakeholder engagement in complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve win-win outcomes.
• Ability to lead and influence stakeholders to achieve business outcomes.
• Ability to condense multiple information streams to make informed strategic decisions.
• Proven technical leadership and team building skills when managing large and complex implementations.
• 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 three 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. 
• 22 weeks paid parental leave and 5 days of First Nations cultural leave to support family and cultural connections. 

Applications close on 11 December 2026

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. As a WORK180-endorsed employer for women, we are proud of our commitment to inclusion. You can learn more about this through our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.  

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

Find out how we’re building A Network for Life: A network for life (westernpower.com.au)