Principal Project Development Specialist

 Principal Project Development Specialist - Permanent Full Time / Perth CBD Office

Are you an experienced Principal Project Development Specialist ready to lead the development of complex, high-value projects within the energy sector? We’re seeking a dedicated professional with a proven track record in managing large-scale projects, providing thought leadership, and influencing the future of energy infrastructure. Your expertise in grid portfolio investments, network planning optimisation, and stakeholder engagement will be key to your success in this role.

You'll gain exposure to concepts and practices that are at the technical, commercial, and regulatory forefront of Western Australia’s transforming energy landscape, while helping develop ambitious renewable energy projects for the benefit of the Western Australian community and electricity consumers.

As a Principal Project Development Specialist, you will lead the engagement with internal and external stakeholders, providing in-depth technical advice and strategic direction aligned with Western Power’s objectives and corporate strategy. You will manage functional and business deliverables from strategic planning inputs to investment submissions and regulatory justifications while working closely with State policy development agencies to influence policy decisions.

You will also play a crucial role in the proactive development of a commercial framework that supports customer-driven market opportunities, ensuring alignment with decarbonisation, network security, and reliability goals.

We are seeking someone who excels in navigating ambiguity and thrives in complex environments, using their deep technical expertise in energy networks to drive successful project outcomes. With strong stakeholder engagement skills and a proactive approach to managing progress, they will ensure projects stay on track, resolve challenges, and meet deadlines.

Your Role in Action  

• Operate as an expert in customer project development, providing strategic leadership and high-level technical direction on complex grid investment planning, network access, and portfolio optimisation—ensuring alignment with Western Power’s regulatory, commercial and strategic frameworks.
• Lead, coordinate, and support the preparation of major investment submissions, feasibility assessments, and strategic planning artefacts in accordance with the Investment Governance Framework (IGF). Deliver clear, commercially sound recommendations grounded in technical, regulatory, and financial analysis to inform Executive, Board, and Ministerial decision-making.
• Resolve complex, high-impact customer project challenges by leading cross-functional engagement and applying structured problem-solving. Identify technically feasible and commercially viable solutions that meet customer needs while balancing regulatory compliance, delivery risk, and Western Power’s commercial and policy obligations
• Thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment - bringing initiative, adaptability, and strategic insight to guide decision-making in ambiguous settings, influence others toward future-ready ways of working, and continuously uplift capability across the function.
• Monitor and contribute to regulatory and policy reform initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve planning frameworks (e.g. Access Code, Technical Rules) and enable safe, reliable and efficient growth outcomes for the business and customers.
• Represent Western Power in external planning and policy forums (ie. Infrastructure WA, Energy Policy WA), advocating for grid planning outcomes that support customer growth, system reliability and decarbonisation priorities.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Degree qualification in Commerce or related numerate discipline or equivalent (e.g. Finance, Economics etc).
• History of strong relationships with customers and stakeholders with an ability to influence at all levels.
• Extensive experience within a financial, regulatory,or commercial environment requiring an advanced understanding of the diverse practices and principles in investment evaluation.
• Broad and/or deep knowledge, coupled with comprehensive expertise in the understanding of the asset management process and associated business strategies required in the management of an asset-intensive organisation.
• In-depth understanding of utility regulation and the requirements to justify and develop of expenditure submissions and project-based investments.
• Proven track record of effective management, technical leadership in the formation of business and delivery plans.
• Strong and proven ability to constructively engage with teams comprising executives, technical stakeholders and external consultants and the State.
• Expert analytical and problem-solving skills with strong business acumen capability, ability to think conceptually and ability to apply business context to emerging business challenges and opportunities.
• Proven ability to adapt technical information for a variety of non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to Interact with others to influence, develop, motivate, and change behaviour.
• Advanced Report writing, Stakeholder management and influencing skills

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.

Applications close on 3rd June 2025 

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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