Director, Transmission and Large Load Policy

About this role

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is seeking a senior leader to help shape Victoria's electricity future at a critical time in the state's energy transition.

As Director, Transmission and Large Load Policy, you will lead high-performing teams providing strategic advice and policy direction on Victoria's electricity transmission network, Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), and the connection of new large electricity customers, including data centres. The role plays a key leadership function in supporting electricity supply reliability while enabling Victoria's transition to renewable energy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic policy advice on national and Victorian frameworks for electricity transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zones to enable the renewable energy transition.
• Leading the development of policy and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the connection of large electricity customers while maintaining system reliability, security and affordability.
• Ensuring key strategic electricity transmission projects are enabled and delivered in a timely, coordinated and efficient manner.
• Collaborating closely with VicGrid, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and other key stakeholders to provide thought leadership on transmission, REZ and large load connection policy.
• Representing Victoria's interests in cross-jurisdictional forums and contributing to whole-of-government priorities.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will bring:

• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and delivering strategic outcomes in industry, management consulting or government, preferably within the energy, electricity or transmission policy domain.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to negotiate, influence and build trust across government, industry and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrated capability to work across organisational boundaries and align diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
• Well-developed strategic thinking and communication skills, with experience providing clear, actionable advice to senior decision-makers.

About the organisation 

We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios.

Our challenge is to maintain Victoria's liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centred approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Ben Ferguson Executive Director, Energy Transition and Strategy on 0431 849 398 or email ben.ferguson@deeca.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check

• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.