Senior Project Development Specialist

Senior Project Development Specialist – Permanent Full Time – Perth CBD

Shape the investments that shape Western Australia’s energy future

Join Western Power’s Customer Portfolio Development Team and lead the front-end development of major customer-driven network investments, before the spade hits the ground.

In this role, you will frame options, build the commercial and regulatory case, and own the investment recommendation through internal governance (to Gate 3) for complex grid connections that enable decarbonisation at scale. This is a senior, high-impact role for a professional who thrives in ambiguity, influences at pace and writes investment-grade business cases that stand up to the challenge.

Your Role in Action  

Operating within the Major Customer environment, the Customer Portfolio Development team partners with large‑scale customers to align commercial, technical and regulatory needs with WA’s energy transformation. We develop tailored solutions for complex grid connections and line relocations, shaping the investments that proceed to delivery.

As a Senior Project Development Specialist, you will apply your skills and judgement to lead scoping and technical decision‑framing, working with specialist engineering teams who set the technical direction and integrating their inputs to deliver robust, commercially defensible and compliant solutions.

• Frame, plan and lead Joint Planning Teams activities that develop credible network and non-network options.
• Author, integrate and present investment-grade business cases ensuring the reasoning, assumptions and recommendations are clear, well-supported and positioned for approval through Gate 3.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective and timely framing of decisions relating to complex network and major customer connections and line relocations.
• Drive commercial structuring and risk assessment that balances customer objectives with regulatory and business constraints.
• Own the accuracy and integrity of capital estimates, assumptions and financial inputs associated with project proposals.
• Apply relevant regulatory, technical and commercial frameworks to shape options and ensure proposals meet compliance expectations.
• Maintain high-quality project records, ensuring systems accurately reflect status, financial information and stakeholder interactions.
• Provide clear, reliable data and forecasts that inform investment decisions and portfolio planning.
• Bring a balanced, big-picture mindset to complex challenges, seeking solutions, weighing trade-offs and considering multiple perspectives.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Tertiary qualification in a business-related field
• Demonstrated experience leading front‑end development, options analysis and investment preparation for complex capital projects (energy, utilities, infrastructure or similar).
• Project management skills with understanding of PMBOK-aligned methodologies to drive structured planning, risk management, and on-time delivery across complex, multi-stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to produce clear, decision‑ready documentation.
• Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of risk allocation, cost assumptions, commercial structures and regulatory considerations.
• Skilled at influencing and challenging constructively, able to handle difficult conversations while maintaining strong relationships.
• A proactive, detail‑oriented and solution‑focused mindset that ensures documentation, analysis and decision pathways are robust and timely.

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.

How to apply — Tailored cover letter required

Applications must include a tailored cover letter (1–2 pages) addressing:

1. Your relevant experience in pre‑execution / front‑end project development and preparing complex investment proposals.
2. Your motivation for this role and interest in the Major Customer environment.
3. How your capability aligns to the Essential criteria.

Please note: Generic or non‑targeted applications may not be considered.

Applications close on 23 February 2026

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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