Senior Development Manager

At Powerlink, every possibility starts with you

We believe life’s about possibilities. And so is the future. That’s why we need you.

We’re working at the heart of Queensland's energy industry to maintain a safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission network. 

A career that matters and lasts

As the Senior Development Manager, you’ll help us connect more than five million Queenslanders and 241,000 businesses to a world-class energy future. Your work with us is about every light turned on, every community connected, and every future made possible. 

• Competitive salary starting from $229k + 14.75% super (10-day fortnight)
• Permanent, full-time position
  
  

We believe every employee deserves the opportunity to enjoy a work-life balance that enhances their overall wellbeing and performance through inclusive and supportive benefits.

Ask us about:

• Flexible & hybrid working options
• Career development
• Health & wellbeing programs
• Leave offerings (including 14 weeks paid parental leave – at full or half pay, plus additional leave purchasing)
• Inclusive workplace facilities

The opportunity:

In this pivotal role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing and driving all upstream development activities across our major linear infrastructure projects – from securing regulatory approvals to managing land access and acquisition, cultural heritage and native title requirements. You will also:

• Lead strategic planning and execution of all early-stage project development activities
• Deliver complex environmental and regulatory approvals, including EPBC and MID
• Manage the processes of land access and acquisition, navigating legal and procedural requirements to secure necessary rights in land for transmission infrastructure
• Manage cultural heritage and native title compliance with the Indigenous Partnerships team
• Build strong relationships with regulators, government agencies, Indigenous stakeholders, communities, and delivery partners
• Oversee development contractors and manage risk, cost, and schedule performance
• Report on development status, social and Indigenous engagement, and compliance
• Influence and collaborate with project teams and senior leaders to keep everything on track

The people you'll join:

As part of our Project Development team within our Community & Delivery Services group, you’ll join you’ll join a dedicated and high-performing group of professionals who play a critical role in setting up Powerlink’s major infrastructure projects for success. The team leads early-stage project activities including regulatory approvals, land access, cultural heritage and community engagement—working closely with internal experts, external stakeholders and delivery partners. It’s a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your work will directly contribute to delivering energy solutions that benefit Queensland communities.

What you'll bring:

You’ll bring a strong foundation of experience in leading upstream development activities on complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. Your background includes navigating complex regulatory approvals and securing land access and acquisition rights, with a deep understanding of environmental legislation such as the EPBC Act, as well as cultural heritage and native title frameworks at the Queensland and Commonwealth levels.

You’re a strategic thinker and confident leader, capable of driving forward development plans while managing risk, budget, and time constraints. You have a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including government agencies, Indigenous communities, legal advisors, consultants and project partners.

Your communication and negotiation skills are second to none—you know how to influence outcomes, build trust, and navigate sensitive or complex situations with professionalism and integrity. Your experience in community and Indigenous engagement will ensure development activities are delivered with respect, transparency and impact. And above all, you're passionate about ethical, sustainable development that creates lasting value for communities and the energy future of Queensland.

Find your possibility today:

To kick start your career at Powerlink, apply by clicking the button above, attaching your resume and cover letter on our careers page before midnight on Wednesday 2nd July 2025. Please be aware our recruitment team will commence the review process during this period. 
 
To discuss any adjustment requirements or for more information on the role, contact Kim on kim.pigg@powerlink.com.au.

Our commitment to inclusion and belonging

We know empowering people to bring their whole self to work enables them to unleash their potential. To learn about our efforts towards greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit our careers site for more information!

As a Veteran-Friendly Employer, we value the skills Veterans bring and ensure equal opportunities. Let us know if you're a Veteran for tailored support.

Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants. 

Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.