Job Title

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Vegetation Manager Doing Veg Differently (DVD) to join our Operations, People and Safety division. This role can be based anywhere within our operational footprint.The Vegetation Manager (DVD) is responsible for leading the strategic and operational delivery of Essential Energy''s Doing Veg Differently program a transformative approach to vegetation management that leverages innovation, technology, and new delivery models to enhance network safety, reliability, and customer outcomes. This role will drive the transition from traditional contracted vegetation management to a blended model that incorporates internal capability and local qualified contractors, creating longterm resilience in a changing climate and market environment.Working closely with internal stakeholders, contractors, customers, and industry partners, this role leads major vegetation initiatives, fosters strong commercial and community relationships, and ensures safe, efficient and highquality program delivery. The role requires strong strategic capability, operational leadership, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to navigate complex issues at senior levels.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the implementation and continued evolution of the Doing Veg Differently program, ensuring alignment with business strategy and operational objectives.Drive innovation in vegetation management through the adoption of technology, digital tools and data insights to improve safety, reliability and efficiency.Oversee the transition to new delivery models, balancing internal workforce development with local contractor engagement.Collaborate with the Vegetation Manager and other stakeholders to optimise resource planning, recruitment and fleet acquisition.Lead a diverse and geographically dispersed team, ensuring safety, performance and delivery against strategic objectives.Develop and deliver highquality performance reporting, forecasting and insights to support effective decisionmaking.Conduct strategic analysis to challenge existing processes and implement improvements.Provide timely and comprehensive reports to the Executive Leadership Team, highlighting risk, lessons learned and emerging commercial opportunities.Build and maintain strong partnerships with contractors, customers and industry associations, fostering proactive engagement and continuous improvement.Oversee contractual arrangements, contractor performance management and the development of longterm strategic partnerships.Lead the management and ongoing refinement of the Doing Veg Differently program model and associated planning.Champion innovative learning and development initiatives that strengthen commercial acumen and promote a culture of safety and excellence.Provide expert advice on vegetation implications for crisis management and safety incidents across Essential Energy''s footprint.Demonstrate behaviours that promote respect, equity, diversity and inclusion in accordance with Essential Energy''s Code of Conduct.About YouSubstantial experience in a similar role, with proven capability in contract negotiation and commercial management.Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret data, statistical analysis and business reporting.Demonstrated ability to manage complex issues and broad responsibilities at senior organisational levels.Strong understanding of commercial and risk management principles within a vegetation management environment.Proven experience leading strategic programs of work with a focus on safe, timely and highquality outcomes.Significant experience developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.Experience in operational crisis and safety incident management at a senior level.Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills.High level of competence in business systems and software used for reporting and analysis.Required QualificationsBachelor Degree in Business Management or demonstrated equivalent experience.Driver''s Licence up to 4.5T GVM.White Card General Construction Induction.Postgraduate qualifications in mediation, negotiation or business management.Why Essential EnergyEssential Energy employees benefit from a wide range of partnerships, programs and wellbeing initiatives, including Fitness Passport, health fund options and corporate offers across travel, technology and lifestyle brands. Learn more on our employee benefits page.We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.For further information, please contact Belinda Kallmier on 0439 860 227.Applications close on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart. Building a better energy future.Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact [email protected] or call us on 1800 255 777 #J-18808-Ljbffr