Job Overview & Organization Mission

Originate, secure land agreements, and manage state planning approvals for multi-hundred megawatt utility-scale solar and storage projects at Origin Energy.

Origin Energy is seeking an ambitious Renewable Energy Development Manager to join our Renewables & Energy Development team at Barangaroo, Sydney. You will be responsible for identifying prime greenfield sites across regional NSW, negotiating land option agreements with agricultural landholders, managing State Significant Development (SSD) planning applications, and leading authentic community consultation.

As a key member of the team at Origin Energy in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Originate high-yield: Originate high-yield greenfield sites for utility-scale solar farms (>200MW) and co-located battery storage.
• Negotiate option-to-lease: Negotiate option-to-lease and purchase agreements with rural landholders and legal representatives.
• Manage preparation: Manage preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and steer projects through state planning pathways (DPE).
• Lead community: Lead community engagement information sessions and establish local community benefit sharing funds.
• Collaborate with: Collaborate with grid connection engineers and investment analysts to prepare Final Investment Decision (FID) business cases.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Origin Energy, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Planning, Environmental Management, Engineering or Commerce.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 6+ years of experience developing renewable energy, infrastructure, or resources projects in Australia.
• Demonstrated track record successfully securing planning approvals and land agreements for large-scale solar or wind.
• Strong understanding of Australian planning legislation, environmental assessments, and agricultural land use.
• Exceptional interpersonal negotiation, community empathy, and commercial deal-making skills.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Origin Energy, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$160,000 – AU$190,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Package $160,000 – $190,000 + performance bonus + superannuation.
• Iconic Barangaroo waterfront office with premium amenities and hybrid working model.
• Extensive Origin employee energy discounts, wellness subsidies, and paid volunteering days.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Origin Energy

Origin Energy is investing extensively in large-scale renewable generation, community battery storage, and green fuels.

Origin Energy is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Origin Energy careers gateway.