Development Manager

Job Description

The Development Manager plays a critical role across Energy Vault's front-end development activities, acting as the single point of ownership for progressing acquired utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects from early development through to Ready to Build (RTB). This role is execution-focused and accountable for driving development outcomes across planning approvals, grid connection, and development risk management across a multi-state Australian portfolio.

Working closely with Commercial, Grid, Engineering, Finance, EPC, and external consultants and development partners, the Development Manager serves as the project "owner" during the development phase. The role is responsible for coordinating internal expertise and external advisors, maintaining clear visibility of risks and timelines, and ensuring development activities progress in line with agreed project milestones.

While supported by specialist internal teams and external consultants, the Development Manager is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, proactively identifying issues, managing approvals and grid interface risk, and optimizing development processes as required. This includes ownership of development budgets, oversight of consultant performance, and implementation of governance, templates, and stage-gate controls to support consistent project execution.

The role is primarily execution-heavy, with a strong emphasis on accountability for approvals timelines and development risk. As the portfolio matures, the position has the potential to evolve into a Team Lead role, supporting the growth and scalability of Energy Vault's Australian development capability.

Your Mission

• Manage our development partners for acquired greenfield BESS projects through to RTB.
• Manage Development Approval (DA) processes across all relevant pathways including state, council, and federal approvals.
• Own approvals timeline risk and proactively manage issues to avoid project delays. Coordinate and manage external consultants, joint development partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support and contribute to community consultation activities in collaboration with specialist consultants.
• Manage land agreements and support grid connection processes with DNSPs and TNSPs.
• Own development budgets and approve consultant spending in line with project objectives.
• Maintain development risk registers.
• Feed accurate, timely development inputs into commercial and project finance workstreams.
• Optimise and enhance internal development processes, including stage-gates, governance, checklists, and templates.
• Ensure high-quality written reporting and clear project visibility for senior leadership.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Renewable Energy, or related field
• Minimum 5 years' experience in renewable energy project development, preferably utility-scale BESS.
• Proven experience progressing projects from origination/acquisition through development approvals and grid connections.
• Strong understanding of Australian planning and environmental approval frameworks.
• Knowledge of NEM regulations, AEMO processes and grid connection requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage consultants, budgets, and complex stakeholder interfaces.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary project teams across commercial, engineering, and finance functions.
• High levels of ownership, composure under pressure, and clarity in written and verbal communication.
• A solutions-focused mindset with zero tolerance for blame-shifting.
• Comfortable thriving in fast-paced, rapid growth environments.
• A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!

Benefits of Powering the Future with Energy Vault

• Annual bonus plan.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• Reimbursement for approved home office equipment.
• Reimbursement for home internet, including mobile phone, up to AUD $85 per month.
• Wellbeing Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to novated leasing.
• Option to purchase additional leave.