Lead Access and Approvals

About the role

APA, Australia's energy infrastructure partner, is looking for an Access and Approvals Lead to join its Access, Approvals and Geospatial Solutions team in Perth, WA, on a permanent full-time basis. Reporting to the Planning and Environment Manager, the role leads planning, environmental, heritage and regulatory approvals and Traditional Owner negotiations for energy infrastructure projects, partnering with project, commercial and delivery teams from early development through to execution.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and lead approvals strategies and pathways for major infrastructure projects, identifying critical path activities, risks and opportunities.
• Manage planning and environmental approvals so they are integrated into project scope, schedule, cost and risk.
• Lead engagement and negotiations with government agencies, regulators and other stakeholders.
• Identify and manage approvals and access-related risks, supporting business development initiatives.
• Procure, lead and manage specialist consultants and internal subject matter experts within agreed scope, timeline, budget and performance.
• Establish governance, compliance and assurance processes so approvals meet statutory obligations and internal standards.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience leading environmental, planning, heritage or approvals activities for major infrastructure, energy, resources or development projects.
• Experience working with, and ideally negotiating alongside, Traditional Owners, landholders, government agencies and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to influence project outcomes through stakeholder engagement and sound judgement.
• Experience managing external consultants and coordinating multidisciplinary workstreams.
• Strong commercial awareness, balancing environmental, social and stakeholder considerations with schedule, cost and delivery.
• Eligible to work in Australia; background vetting (including police checks) applies because the role uses critical data, systems or infrastructure.

Required skills

• Understanding of regulatory approval frameworks and project development processes.
• Risk management principles.

What we offer

• Targeted career development programs.
• Competitive remuneration and employee benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements and wellbeing initiatives.
• Inclusive parental leave of 18 weeks, including superannuation.