Commercial Lead – Global Energy & Water Projects

Company Description

At NEXTDC we are building the heart of Australia & Asia’s high-tech future. We design, build and operate world class, next generation data centres, using cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure to service the specific requirements of local, international customers. 

NEXTDC is an exciting ASX 100-listed technology company, only 16 years young and operating 17 data centres across 7 major cities in Australia, with multiple international sites in development to support our customer’s digital infrastructure. 

At NEXTDC our success depends on the talents of our people, and we foster a culture of continued learning and development. Our culture is built on collaboration and innovation, we are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to our mission to be the leading customer-centric data centre services company. 

Where Cloud lives and AI thrives  

Job Description

As NEXTDC’s Commercial Lead, this is an opportunity to take the lead on some of NEXTDC’s most significant energy and water infrastructure projects across Australia and Asia. 

You’ll play a key role in securing the power and water infrastructure that enables NEXTDC’s continued data-centre growth, working across hyperscale, colocation and edge developments. 

In this high-impact role, you will: 

• Lead negotiations for $50m–$100m+ energy and water utility connections 
• Provide commercial leadership across major High Voltage (HV) energy and water infrastructure investments, including (but not limited to) negotiating PPAs and storage offtakes  
• Structure and negotiate large-scale energy, renewable and storage agreements 
• Own commercial risk and act as the senior escalation point throughout the project lifecycle 
• Support investment cases for HV/MV networks, water infrastructure, renewables, battery storage and power generation 
• Help shape projects valued from $100m to $1bn+ 

This is more than a contracts role, it’s an opportunity to influence major infrastructure investment, shape commercial strategy, build innovative commercial structures and directly enable the next generation of digital infrastructure in an entrepreneurial culture. 

What you’ll do 

• Build and manage critical relationships across the energy ecosystem, including internal stakeholders, equipment manufacturers, DNSPs, TNSPs, AEMO, renewable energy developers, industry bodies and consultants. 
• Lead the commercial structuring and negotiation of high-value energy and water deals across Australia and Asia. 
• Partner with Customer, Engineering, Development and Operations leaders to understand future power and water requirements and develop commercially aligned solutions. 
• Lead large-scale capital investment planning, financial modelling and commercial enablement to support NEXTDC’s continued growth. 
• Identify opportunities to improve commercial outcomes, optimise costs and scale NEXTDC’s ways of working as the business continues to grow at pace. 
• Stay ahead of energy and water regulations, market trends and emerging risks, ensuring compliance while proactively managing commercial and energy procurement risks.  

What you’ll bring 

• A growth mindset and emotionally intelligence with the curiosity and confidence to get into the detail and solve complex problems, with teams around you. 
• Ability to work at pace, prioritise effectively and focus on decisions that drive the greatest business impact. 
• Proven experience in $50m–$100m+ deal structuring, negotiation and execution, ideally across high-voltage energy or generation/energy projects. 
• The ability to amplify your productivity by using AI to delivery measurable outcomes 
• Strong understanding of the Australian electricity sector and National Electricity Rules (NER). 
• Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills, particularly in complex or challenging commercial environments. 
• Ability to connect and influence diverse stakeholders across finance, customers, account management, engineering and operations. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for audiences at different levels and technical backgrounds. 
• Water infrastructure experience is a plus. 

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience negotiating high-value contracts within energy infrastructure, EPC, construction, in-house development or consulting environments. 
• A proven track record of career progression and consistently delivering strong performance in high-pressure environments. 
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Commerce, Business or a related discipline. MBA is desirable. 
• Strong experience in the Australian energy market is essential, with international energy market experience highly desirable. 

Additional Information

• Be part of a fast-growing, future-focused technology company
• Play a key role in supporting AI and digital infrastructure in Australia
• Thrive in a collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven culture
• Access career development and progression opportunities as we expand

Our mission is to continue building a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents the communities in which we operate.

Make NEXTDC your next move. 

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