Commercial Director – Octopus Australia

We’re excited to offer an opportunity to become part of the Octopus Australia team in our Melbourne or Sydney office.

The successful applicant will join Octopus Australia on our mission to accelerate Australia’s transition to a future powered by renewable energy.

As Commercial Director, you will lead the commercial and procurement outcomes for utility-scale renewable energy and storage projects across Australia, specifically in project delivery and connection workstreams. This role is critical in shaping sourcing, contracting, and supplier management to deliver sustainable outcomes and embed commercial excellence across our growing portfolio.

Octopus Australia

Established in 2018, Octopus Australia is a dynamic multi-disciplinary team of over 60 highly skilled people which spans the expertise required to realise and operate a renewable energy and storage portfolio.

With an existing multi-GW portfolio of operating and development assets, including solar, wind and battery storage across the country. We are continuing to grow to create a long-term business that can deliver a firmed energy product to meet the evolving needs of Australia’s energy future.

About the Role

Procurement Process

• Provide strategic commercial advice to business leads on supplier selection and project delivery contract structure.
• Working closely with development and technical teams, develop and implement supplier tendering, evaluation, negotiation, and contract award processes for construction, O&M, and supply scopes.

Negotiation and Contractor Engagement

Lead the negotiation of large renewable energy EPC and supply contracts, O&M and connection agreements

• Lead and direct a multi-disciplinary team to effectively incorporate commercial, technical and construction aspects into contracts
• Oversee balance of commercial risks, incorporating advice from investment and energy markets teams

Long term relationship focussed

• Build innovative, collaborative relationships with key suppliers/contractors
• Maintain strong contractor executive level engagement

Commercial Input Across Organisation

• Provide commercial insights for financial modelling and project viability assessments; advise project teams on contract structures and financial implications.
• Provide strategic commercial advice on the management and resolution of contract issues and disputes to drive high quality contract management strategies and outcomes
• Build organisational capability by mentoring and developing colleagues to foster commercial capability.

Qualifications

Essential experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Law, Finance, or related field; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in procurement, commercial, or business development roles within renewables or energy infrastructure
• Proven track record in sourcing, negotiating, and managing large-scale EPC, construction or supply contracts (AUD 100M+).
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation ability, and financial skills.
• Demonstrated ability to structure and close complex commercial transactions with contractors and major suppliers.
• Familiarity with Australian regulatory frameworks, energy markets, risk management and ESG standards.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills; comfortable engaging at executive levels internally and externally.

What we offer

• 💰 A competitive salary package including bonus and medical insurance benefits
• ✈️ Extra Annual Leave entitlement
• 🏡 Flexible working 
• Ongoing learning and career development opportunities

Octopus Australia has built an exciting and inclusive high-performance culture where employees feel empowered. We also understand the value of diversity, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace environment. We would welcome people of all backgrounds to apply. 

Our Values 

At Octopus Australia we don’t just focus on what we do but also how we do it. Everyone to shares our values of being straightforward, helpful, bold and empathetic. Our culture is critical to our success and is built around four principles that underpin how we pursue our goals:

• Be Bold – We like people who make decisions quickly and are OK changing their mind if it turns out there’s a better way of doing things.
• Be Helpful – We like People who behave like it always day one and who remember without our customers there is no business.
• Be Straightforward – We like people who have opinions and express them in a way that’s respectful and easy to understand.
• Be Empathetic – We like people who care about others and take the time to understand different perspectives. It’s about listening, supporting, and creating.