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Energy and Carbon Manager

Simplot Australia Pty Ltd • Australia • Added on Sep 4, 2026
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This role centers on leading the decarbonization journey for a major food producer by managing a multi-million dollar energy portfolio and global carbon reporting. You will oversee energy procurement, identify efficiency gains across manufacturing sites, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the Australian energy market. It is a high-impact position that bridges the gap between financial performance and environmental stewardship.

The work is vital because it directly tackles the high-intensity energy needs of food processing, transforming how a legacy brand approaches climate risk and operational resilience. By integrating sustainable energy strategies into the core business, you help ensure that the transition to low-carbon operations is both commercially viable and environmentally ambitious. This is a rare chance to steer the sustainability roadmap for household-name brands.

This suits someone who possesses deep expertise in energy markets and carbon accounting, coupled with the executive presence to influence senior leadership and site engineers alike. You should be comfortable translating complex regulatory shifts into actionable business intelligence.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary focus involves leading the energy procurement strategy for the Australian market, managing an annual spend of approximately $32 million. You will be the internal subject matter expert for all things related to energy markets, providing strategic direction on emerging technologies and procurement opportunities that align with long-term climate goals. Beyond procurement, you are responsible for leading greenhouse gas emissions reporting across global food operations. This includes identifying energy efficiency initiatives at manufacturing sites and partnering with engineering teams to implement technical projects that reduce the company's carbon intensity and operational costs. You will also monitor legislative changes and represent the company in front of regulators and industry bodies. The role requires a balance of risk management and advocacy, ensuring the business remains compliant with Australian environmental regulations while proactively pursuing voluntary sustainability commitments.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates will gain deep exposure to the complexities of global food supply chains and the specific decarbonization hurdles faced by the manufacturing and agriculture sectors. You will likely develop a sophisticated understanding of how large-scale industrial operations transition from traditional energy sources to renewable alternatives. There is significant room to grow your expertise in regulatory advocacy by engaging directly with government agencies and industry networks. Furthermore, because this role has a global reporting mandate, you will learn to navigate diverse international carbon reporting frameworks and sustainability standards used across North America and the Asia Pacific region.

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

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Engineering, Sustainability, or Business and brings significant experience in high-stakes energy management. You must demonstrate a track record of managing large budgets and delivering commercial value through energy efficiency or strategic procurement. Strong analytical skills are essential, as you will need to interpret volatile energy market data and complex carbon legislation. Beyond technical prowess, the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels—from factory floor engineers to C-suite executives—is what will differentiate a successful applicant in this highly collaborative environment.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your ability to link sustainability outcomes with commercial value. Simplot is looking for a leader who understands that environmental goals must be underpinned by financial discipline and operational feasibility. Research their iconic brands like Birds Eye and Leggo's to demonstrate an understanding of their market presence. In your application, provide specific examples of where you have navigated Australian energy regulations or led successful carbon reduction projects in an industrial or manufacturing context.

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

This role is the linchpin for the company's decarbonization strategy. It focuses heavily on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, specifically looking at how manufacturing facilities can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels through efficiency and renewable energy procurement. Additionally, there is a strong focus on Resource Respect, one of the company's core values. You will be tasked with finding the intersection between agricultural productivity and environmental footprint, ensuring the company's growth does not come at the expense of the earth's resources.

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

A primary challenge will be managing market volatility within the Australian energy sector, which can fluctuate significantly due to policy changes and global economic factors. Balancing the need for cost-certainty with the ambition for carbon reduction requires constant vigilance and strategic pivoting. Another challenge lies in operational integration. Persuading busy manufacturing sites to prioritize energy efficiency upgrades alongside production targets requires tact, persistence, and a clear demonstration of the long-term benefits of sustainable infrastructure.

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

A typical day might begin with reviewing energy market trends and expenditure reports to ensure procurement strategies remain on track. You might then shift to a meeting with site managers at a vegetable processing plant to discuss the progress of a new energy-saving project or heat recovery system. Afternoons could be spent analyzing GHG emissions data for the global reporting cycle or preparing a briefing for senior leadership on upcoming legislative changes. The role is a mix of technical data analysis, strategic planning, and high-level stakeholder communication.

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

Given the visibility of carbon management in modern corporate strategy, this role offers a path toward executive sustainability leadership. Successful management of the $32M energy portfolio demonstrates high-level commercial acumen that is transferable to broader operations or general management roles. There is also the potential for global mobility or broader influence within the J.R. Simplot Company, as you will be working with international teams to standardize carbon management practices across their global manufacturing footprint.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include Site Leadership Teams and engineers at the manufacturing facilities who implement efficiency projects, as well as Finance and Procurement teams focused on budget management. You will also report frequently to the Sustainability and Executive teams. External stakeholders are equally important, involving energy retailers, government regulators, and industry associations. You will act as the face of Simplot in forums where energy policy and industry standards are shaped, ensuring the company's interests are represented.

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