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General Manager - Sustainability & Community

Alinta Energy • Australia • Added on Jul 6, 2026
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As the General Manager for Sustainability and Community, you will serve as the primary architect of the ESG roadmap for one of Australia’s largest energy providers. You are responsible for navigating a complex regulatory environment while leading initiatives that range from high-level climate disclosures to local community investment programs. This position sits at the intersection of corporate governance and social action, ensuring the business meets its strategic commitments while maintaining ethical and environmental integrity.

Energy is at the heart of the net-zero transition, and this role offers a front-row seat to the decarbonization of Australia’s grid. Beyond carbon, you will drive social equity by managing hardship support programs and advancing the company’s Reconciliation Action Plan with First Nations communities. It is a rare opportunity to influence the environmental footprint of a major utility while directly improving the lives of over a million customers.

This suits someone who possesses heavy-weight corporate governance experience but remains deeply committed to measurable social impact and community advocacy in the energy sector.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The General Manager is tasked with lead Alinta Energy's ESG strategy and overseeing compliance with climate-related disclosures and regulatory reporting. You will ensure the organization meets its obligations regarding Modern Slavery and environmental standards while providing trusted insights directly to the Board and executive team. On the social side, you will manage community investment programs, including the Community Development Fund and initiatives for customers in hardship. You are also responsible for driving the First Nations engagement strategy and the execution of the Reconciliation Action Plan across the enterprise.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This role offers significant exposure to the evolving landscape of Australian energy regulation and emerging climate disclosure standards. You will deepen your expertise in managing technical emissions data within a diverse energy portfolio that includes gas, wind, and solar assets. Furthermore, you will gain experience in high-level boardroom governance and corporate diplomacy. The role provides a unique vantage point on how large-scale utility companies transition their business models while balancing commercial viability with aggressive sustainability and social impact targets.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The successful candidate should be an influential leader with a background in Environmental Science, Engineering, or Sustainability. You need proven experience in managing technical emissions data and navigating complex ESG frameworks within a large-scale corporate environment. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, as you will be communicating with executives and the Board. You should demonstrate a track record of balancing strategic vision with practical execution, particularly in the context of community relations and social impact programs.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to handle the technical complexity of energy emissions alongside the 'softer' aspects of community advocacy and First Nations engagement. Alinta Energy values a practical, action-oriented approach, so highlight specific instances where you successfully managed regulatory transitions. Research their current projects, like the Yandin Wind Farm or their pumped hydro developments, and explain how your ESG leadership will support the success of these capital-intensive transitions. Showing a clear understanding of the Australian energy market's specific challenges will give you a competitive edge.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the energy transition and how it impacts both carbon footprints and local communities. You will be at the center of the company's shift toward renewables, ensuring that environmental reporting accurately reflects their $10 billion investment in green infrastructure. Social sustainability is equally critical, with a focus on vulnerability management and community resilience. You will ensure that as the energy system changes, the most vulnerable customers are protected and that First Nations stakeholders are active partners in the company's growth.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be navigating the rapidly changing regulatory environment in Australia, particularly regarding mandatory climate-related financial disclosures. Balancing the diverse needs of external community partners with internal commercial priorities requires significant diplomatic skill. You may also face the complexity of managing ESG data across a legacy portfolio while the company rapidly scales its renewable assets. Ensuring consistency and transparency during such a large-scale business transformation is a demanding task for any sustainability leader.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing ESG reporting data or preparing a briefing for a Board committee meeting. Midday could be spent in strategic planning sessions with the operations teams to discuss the environmental aspects of new wind or solar installations. Afternoons often involve stakeholder engagement, perhaps meeting with representatives from community organizations or internal HR leads to discuss the progress of the Reconciliation Action Plan. Your day will consistently blend high-level policy work with the management of grassroots social programs.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

Given the 'General Manager' status and direct Board exposure, this role is a pathway to C-level positions like Chief Sustainability Officer or Corporate Affairs Director. The high visibility of the energy sector's transition ensures that success in this role carries significant weight across the industry. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects that serve as benchmarks for the Australian energy industry, positioning you as a thought leader in both sustainability governance and social impact strategy.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact frequently with the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, providing them with guidance on ESG risks and opportunities. Internally, you will collaborate with Engineering, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure reporting accuracy and compliance. Externally, you will act as a bridge to government regulators, community organizations, and First Nations groups. Building trust with these diverse stakeholders is essential for maintaining the company's social license to operate as they develop new renewable energy sites.

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