The Opportunity High-growth energy business building a next-generation retail proposition in the distributed energy and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) space. The business is preparing to apply for an Australian energy retail licence and is seeking an experienced compliance leader to own and lead this process end-to-end , working closely with the regulator and external advisors, and then to build and operate the ongoing compliance framework as the business continues to scale rapidly. This is a hands-on, first-in compliance role with genuine influence over how the business is shaped from day one. We are looking for someone hands on with an appetite for growth ie potentially be involved in other areas of the business, such as commercial, operations and sales. The Role Reporting to the MD, the Head of Compliance will be accountable for: Leading the AER energy retail licence application , including preparation, submission, regulator engagement and remediation Acting as the primary point of contact with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and other relevant bodies Working closely with external legal and regulatory advisors , while retaining clear internal ownership Designing and embedding the compliance operating model appropriate for a lean, digital-first retailer Establishing policies, controls, registers and reporting across: Retail authorisation obligations Consumer protections and hardship frameworks Compliance monitoring, assurance and incident management Advising the executive team on regulatory risk, trade-offs and sequencing in a startup environment Supporting the transition from licence approval into business-as-usual compliance operations Building a compliance culture that is commercial, pragmatic and customer-centric , not bureaucratic This role is deliberately broad and will suit someone who enjoys operating close to the business, solving problems and bringing products to market, rather than purely operating in a governance function. What We’re Looking For Essential experience Direct, hands-on experience leading or materially contributing to an AER energy retail licence application Strong working knowledge of the Australian energy retail regulatory framework Proven experience engaging with the AER in a constructive, credible manner Background in a small to mid-sized energy retailer , challenger brand, or high-growth environment, with a broad roles remit and a loosely defined job function. Ability to balance regulatory rigour with commercial reality Ideal background Former or current Head of Compliance in a small or mid sized electricity retailer, or… A 2IC / Senior Compliance Manager ready to step into their first Head-of role Exposure to VPPs, DER, or innovative retail models Comfortable operating without heavy structure and building frameworks from first principles A willingness to contribute wherever needed Personal Attributes Pragmatic, solutions-oriented and calm under regulatory pressure Comfortable saying “this is the minimum viable compliant path” when appropriate Confident working with founders and executives in a growth context Detail-oriented, but not dogmatic Motivated by building something new rather than inheriting legacy systems Has agency. Be Abel to seek out what needs to be done next and work autonomously Why This Role? Rare opportunity to own a retail licence from application to approval Seat at the table with genuine influence on business design Exposure to one of the fastest-evolving areas of the energy market (VPPs & distributed energy) Platform role that can grow with the business as it scales Don't miss out on the best Compliance role in Sydney right now!
