About the Company
Davidson is proud to be partnering with Iberdrola Australia on the VNI West Project - a nationally significant transmission project supporting Australia’s clean energy transition.
As one of Australia’s most significant energy infrastructure developments, VNI West will require genuine, respectful and long-term partnerships with Traditional Owner groups across the project corridor.
To support this critical work, we are seeking an experienced and culturally capable General Manager – Traditional Owner Engagement to lead Iberdrola’s engagement approach with Traditional Owner groups and support the development of trusted, collaborative and enduring relationships.
This is a highly strategic and visible leadership role that will play a central part in shaping the project’s cultural engagement approach, supporting cultural heritage processes, and ensuring Traditional Owner priorities and aspirations are understood and meaningfully incorporated into project delivery.
About the Role
Reporting into the Executive leadership team, the General Manager – Traditional Owner Engagement will lead Iberdrola’s Traditional Owner engagement strategy across the VNI West project.
The role will work closely with Traditional Owner groups, project leadership, government stakeholders and specialist advisors to establish strong governance arrangements, build trusted relationships and support culturally informed project outcomes.
This role requires someone with exceptional relationship management capability, cultural awareness and strategic judgement, coupled with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments with care, authenticity and credibility.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading Traditional Owner engagement strategy and relationship management across the VNI West project
- Building trusted, collaborative and respectful partnerships with Traditional Owner groups and representative organisations
- Supporting culturally informed engagement processes and governance arrangements
- Working closely with project leadership to support Cultural Heritage Management Plan processes and approvals
- Partnering with Traditional Owner groups to identify long-term economic, employment and procurement opportunities
- Supporting First Nations participation initiatives aligned with project and government objectives
- Advising internal leadership teams on cultural engagement approaches, stakeholder sensitivities and emerging issues
- Contributing to the development of Iberdrola’s broader Reconciliation Action Plan and internal cultural capability initiatives
- Supporting collaboration between project teams, government stakeholders and Traditional Owner representatives
- Ensuring engagement activities align with relevant Victorian Government frameworks, self-determination principles and project obligations
What you’ll bring
- Significant experience leading Traditional Owner, First Nations or community engagement within complex infrastructure, energy, government or major project environments
- Deep understanding of cultural heritage processes, stakeholder engagement and governance frameworks
- Strong relationship-building capability and the ability to establish trust across diverse stakeholder groups
- Demonstrated experience navigating sensitive, high-profile or politically complex environments
- Strategic leadership capability combined with a collaborative and pragmatic approach
- Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills
- Understanding of social procurement, First Nations participation and economic development initiatives
- Ability to operate with authenticity, cultural awareness and sound judgement
Why join VNI West?
This is an opportunity to help shape the engagement approach for one of Australia’s most significant renewable energy infrastructure projects.
You will play a central role in building meaningful and lasting Traditional Owner partnerships while contributing to a project with national significance and long-term community impact.
Supported by a globally recognised renewable energy organisation with a strong commitment to sustainability and social value, this role offers genuine influence, visibility and purpose.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Davidson. Please apply with current resume in Microsoft Word format only (.doc or .docx). If you would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact William Stock on william.stock@davidsonwp.com quoting reference JN -052026-43402. Want to know more about Davidson? Visit us at www.davidsonwp.com
