About:
APD Global is a leading engineering consultancy with over 25 years of experience delivering advanced, integrated solutions across the Power Systems, Telecommunications, and Renewable Energy sectors. The company’s expertise spans a wide array of services including power systems studies, transmission lines, substations, protection and control, renewable energy connections, telecommunications infrastructure, and EPC/M project delivery.
APD is accredited with every major power and telco utility in Australia and actively contributes to industry advancement through participation in technical committees and organisations like CIGRE. With a strong global presence, unmatched technical depth, and a commitment to innovation, APD Global continues to shape the future of energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure worldwide.
The Challenge:
APD sought to appoint a Director to lead its East Coast
Transmission & Distribution operations. This role was designed to provide executive-level oversight and technical governance across the planning, design, and delivery of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and distribution network infrastructure. The Director would also collaborate with cross-functional teams—including engineering, commercial, and legal—to lead major bids, secure long-term partnerships and frameworks, and mentor senior managers and engineers to enhance technical capability, leadership potential, and succession planning.
Competing in a tight talent market, APD Global had to differentiate itself against other leading energy employers. Having partnered with APD Global previously, JD Ross Energy brought an in-depth understanding of both the objective and the talent landscape, making us the ideal partner to meet this challenge.
Our Solutions:
JD Ross Energy took a hands-on, consultative approach to understand APD Global’s needs:
• Market Intelligence – Conducting extensive competitor analysis and salary benchmarking to build a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP).
• Targeted Campaigns – Leveraging our extensive database, networks, and reputation to deliver a bespoke hiring strategy.
• Partnership with Hiring Manager – Working closely with APD Global’s team to refine recruitment processes, compensation frameworks, and retention strategies.
This combination of strategic advisory and proactive talent acquisition positioned APD Global as an employer of choice within the engineering space.
Outcome, Timeline and Benefits:
The partnership between JD Ross Energy and APD Global has delivered the desired result:
• Shortlist of four candidates sent within five days of qualifying the role.
• Two candidates selected for interview
• Both taken to final.
• Within three weeks from qualifying the role, candidate accepted.
The speed at which this role was filled was exceptional. What could have been a lengthy internal recruitment process - potentially leading to an external search - was completed in under three weeks, from qualification to contract signature. As a trusted partner of APD Global, we were engaged immediately when the decision was made to create this role. APD understood that delays in filling the position could result in financial impact. While they were eager to move quickly, they were equally committed to securing the right candidate - someone with deep knowledge and a strong network across the TNSP and DNSP markets in New South Wales.
The successful candidate was already within JD Ross’ network and was passively exploring new opportunities. With a clear understanding of his career goals and the strategic importance of the role, we recognised the alignment early. Our detailed briefing on APD Global’s business, culture, and growth trajectory helped the candidate see the long-term potential, enabling us to facilitate a swift and confident placement.
Conclusion:
Through its deep industry knowledge, strategic recruitment expertise, and trusted partnership with APD Global, JD Ross Energy played a critical role in securing a high-impact leadership hire for APD’s East Coast Transmission & Distribution operations.
By identifying and placing a candidate with the technical depth, market insight, and leadership capability required to drive APD’s infrastructure delivery, JD Ross Energy has supported APD Global’s continued growth and strengthened its position as a leading force in Australia’s energy transition.