• Join a business in a very exciting stage of their growth, moving from EPC to IPP
• Key influence over project delivery and early feasibility studies
• Highly flexible environment with excellent salary & benefits

The Role
Phillip Riley is presenting an opportunity to step into a key grid-facing role with a developer moving from EPC delivery into a fully integrated developer and IPP model in Australia. You’ll take ownership of grid connection activities across a portfolio of greenfield utility-scale renewable projects, with a strong focus on hybrid solar and battery energy storage systems.

The role suits someone who enjoys being close to the technical detail but also wants influence over early-stage decisions that shape project risk, cost and performance. This is not a people leadership role, instead you will have exposure to the whole project lifecycle, managing many different stakeholders and having your say on early feasibility studies.

The role is also open to snr and principal level candidates looking for a step up in responsibility

Job Title: Grid Connection Manager
Location: Melbourne OR Brisbane
Salary: $200,000 - $240,000 + 20% Bonus + Healthcare + 23 days annual leave

What you’ll be doing

• Managing the grid connection process end-to-end, from early enquiry through to R2 and into operations, for large-scale solar and BESS projects in the NEM.
• Acting as the primary interface with AEMO, NSPs, OEMs, EPCs and specialist grid consultants.
• Coordinating internal engineering and design teams alongside third-party consultants and contractors.
• Carrying out early-stage “red flag” grid assessments and scenario analysis to identify risks and opportunities across current and future network conditions.
• Supporting commercial and technical decision-making on project timing, cost and performance using a structured, risk-based approach.
• Contributing to early concept design, including assessment of emerging technologies and inverter-based solutions.
• Supporting OEM selection and due diligence across power conversion systems, PPCs, SCADA, balance-of-plant and battery systems.
• Providing input into advanced control strategies, including virtual synchronous machines, fast frequency response, inertia and other grid services.
• Supporting commissioning activities where required and travelling to site at key stages of development and delivery.

Project exposure

• Utility-scale solar and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects, typically in the hundreds of megawatts.
• Standalone and co-located battery energy storage systems designed for grid support and network services.
• Greenfield developments where grid strategy, plant configuration and performance standards are shaped from the outset.

Why this role appeals

• You’ll have genuine influence over how projects are designed, connected and de-risked — not just managing studies, but shaping outcomes.
• The business has a strong delivery pedigree and is now building its developer and IPP capability, creating scope for growth and progression.
• You’ll work in a small, technically capable team where decisions are made quickly and collaboration matters.
• The role offers variety: early-stage strategy, detailed GPS negotiation, consultant management and hands-on technical input.
• Super Flexible working arrangement, with minimum 2 days in either the Melbourne or Brisbane office.

What we’re looking for

• Strong experience negotiating Generator Performance Standards and connection agreements with AEMO and NSPs.
• Solid understanding of the NEM connection process from enquiry through to R2, including Schedule 5.2 of the NER.
• Proven experience progressing grid connections for utility-scale solar, BESS or hybrid projects.
• Familiarity with tools such as PSSE, PSCAD or PowerFactory. This is NOT a technical role, but experience with these tools is favourable.
• Comfortable managing multiple stakeholders, tight timelines and competing priorities.
• Collaborative, detail-focused, and practical in approach.

If you’re looking for a role where grid strategy, engineering judgement and project delivery genuinely intersect, this position offers scope to make a real impact.

How to apply
Please "Apply Now" to submit a copy of your updated resume.

If you require more information or would like a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Laurence on laurence@phillipriley.com.au or (08) 6182 2676.