General Manager, Impact Teams

• Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
• Deliver and manage $100 - $300m in annual funding
• Accelerate the development of Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry

About ARENA
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is a Corporate Commonwealth entity established to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. ARENA has received significant additional funding over the past three budget cycles and is trusted by government to deliver many of its most impactful emissions reduction programmes. ARENA supports the government's emissions reduction goals through its focus on technology innovation and commercialisation to the benefit of Australia.

About the Investment and Portfolio Group
The Investment and Portfolio Group plays an integral role within ARENA by working collaboratively with industry, research institutions and government to support initiatives that accelerate the reduction of Australia's emissions through technology innovation. The Group designs and implements funding programmes, appraises funding proposals, coordinates external due diligence, negotiates and manages funding agreements, manages ARENA’s diverse portfolio of active projects, and shares insights and lessons learnt across the portfolio.

The Role
As General Manager of the Renewable Hydrogen Impact Team, you will have end-to-end strategic and operational leadership of ARENA's flagship Hydrogen Headstart programme. This includes managing existing projects from Round 1and progressing Round 2 funding of up to $2 billion to support large-scale hydrogen production projects. The programme is designed to accelerate development of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry, catalyse clean energy industries and help Australia connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.

Working as part of a high-performing team with other GMs responsible for different Impact Teams, this role combines investment leadership, portfolio management and impact delivery. You will oversee the effective allocation and management of approximately $100-300 million in annual funding, provide final endorsement of investments for approval, and maintain full accountability for portfolio quality and performance. You will also oversee delivery of non-funding initiatives such as policy, ecosystem building and strategic thought leadership, whilst representing the Impact Area across internal governance forums and with government, industry and research stakeholders.

What We're Looking For
You will bring deep understanding of investment and grant lifecycle processes, with significant experience in the energy sector and ideally knowledge of clean energy technologies and market dynamics.
You possess strong portfolio management capabilities and exceptional leadership skills, with demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and delivering results in multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to engage confidently at CEO, Board and Ministerial level, combined with excellent communication, negotiation and governance skills, will be essential to success in this role.
Most importantly, you are deeply aligned with ARENA's mission—motivated by accelerating technology innovation to reduce Australia's emissions and position Australia as a renewable energy superpower in a net zero world.

Australian citizenship essential.

Location: Sydney (preferred), Canberra, Melbourne

How to apply:
Candidate information: Please click on the "Additional Information" button to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack. For more information, please contact Andrew McEncroe at publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or call 02 9223 1855 quoting reference number: 34011

To apply: Please provide a cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and a resume by the due date.

Applications close:  Sunday, 1 March 2026.