Development Manager - Octopus Australia (Melbourne)

Overview We're excited to offer an opportunity to join the Octopus Australia team in our Melbourne or Sydney office. The successful applicant will join Octopus Australia on our mission to harness capital and expertise to accelerate the renewable energy transition. You will lead the development of renewable projects, including solar, wind, and battery storage opportunities, steering projects through the development life cycle to financial close. The role is based in Melbourne or Sydney with periodic site visits to development sites and stakeholder communities. Our current portfolio spans greenfield to late‑stage assets. With your help, we will grow the pipeline, feeding more projects into the construction phase. In addition to achievements, success in this role is defined by how you collaborate and bring a start‑up mindset to a dynamic work environment. Responsibilities
- All aspects of project development including landowner liaison, development approvals, grid connection, EPC procurement and PPAs.
- Treat the projects as if they are your own.
- Assist the wider Investment Team with asset growth opportunities, including project evaluations, acquisition bids, transaction and negotiation processes, due diligence work, and supporting Investment Directors through internal approval processes.
- Develop sound relationships with relevant stakeholders, including landholders, community, regulators and policymakers.
- Manage multidisciplinary project teams (technical, planning, legal, grid, environmental and engineering advisors).
- Select advisors, consultants, OEMs and construction contractors (including EPC contractors), run procurement processes and negotiate contracts through to financial close.
- Negotiate high‑value contracts, including project construction (EPC) and transmission connection agreements.
- Manage the grid connection process, working closely with NSPs and grid consultants to navigate the complexity of the technical, regulatory and commercial connection landscape.
- Deliver development works within allocated budgets in a timely, productive and effective manner.
- Develop project execution plans, including timelines, costs, risk assessments and communication of project financials and progress reports.
- Prepare and manage budgets for Capex and Opex, project schedules, and technical inputs into financial models.
- Support fundraising efforts, including meetings with prospective investors, promoting the Octopus profile, and supporting our fund managers with development expertise.
- Support ongoing profile‑raising activities – network with industry participants and engage with energy policymakers to influence energy policy. Qualifications Ideally, you will have some or all of the following qualifications, skills and experiences:
- Eligibility to work in Australia – visa sponsorship is not offered.
- A relevant tertiary qualification.
- Previous experience in a similar position within the renewable energy sector.
- Experience in complex infrastructure projects (oil & gas, transmission, road, rail, pipelines) will be well regarded.
- Ability to engage at General Manager/Executive level with superior written and verbal communication skills.
- Solid project management skills with a background in technical/engineering qualifications.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex workloads in a fast‑paced, dynamic workplace.
- Aware of how an investment business and a renewable energy business would operate.
- Knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental practices, legislation and requirements.
- Contract and project management skills.
- Highly organised, confident in negotiating large and complex contracts, and capable of handling relationships with external contractors.
- Commercial mindset, especially considering technical challenges in a wider commercial and investment context.
- Basic understanding of key investment principles – rates of return, risk, IRR and NPV financial concepts, and familiarity with financial models used for renewable energy investments. What We Offer
- A competitive salary package including annual bonus.
- A generous contribution to your private health insurance when you join the Octopus Australia‑sponsored policy.
- Extra five days Annual Leave entitlement.
- Hybrid working arrangement.
- Ongoing learning and career development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning subscription).
- Monthly mobile phone allowance.
- Access to our employee wellness program, including an annual wellness allowance and Headspace subscription.
- Access to novated leasing.
- The opportunity to apply your skills to the renewable energy transition. Our Values At Octopus Australia we focus not only on what we do but also how we do it. Everyone shares our values of being straightforward, helpful, bold and empathetic. Our culture is built around four principles:
- Be Bold – make decisions quickly and be okay changing your mind if a better way emerges.
- Be Helpful – behave as if it is day one and remember that without our customers there is no business.
- Be Straightforward – have opinions and express them respectfully and clearly.
- Be Empathetic – care about others and take the time to understand different perspectives. We create an inclusive high‑performance culture where employees feel empowered and are dedicated to diversity. We welcome people of all backgrounds to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rvwpu