A senior opportunity is available for an experienced Substations Commissioning Lead to take ownership of commissioning activities across complex high-voltage substation projects. This role will lead commissioning planning, testing, energisation and handover, working closely with construction teams, protection engineers and client stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant and successful delivery of critical power infrastructure.

About the Company
This organisation is a nationally recognised electrical infrastructure contractor delivering end-to-end solutions across Australia’s transmission and distribution networks. With in-house EPC capability and asset management expertise, the business is known for technically robust project delivery, strong safety systems and the ability to self-perform complex substation infrastructure works.

Requirements
• Proven experience leading commissioning activities on high-voltage substations (typically 132kV and above)
• Strong understanding of protection systems, SCADA integration, testing and energisation procedures
• Ability to develop and manage commissioning plans, procedures and schedules
• Demonstrated leadership across commissioning teams and coordination with clients and OEMs
• Solid knowledge of Australian standards, utility requirements and HV safety systems

What’s on Offer
• Key leadership role on major HV infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to lead commissioning on complex substation builds and upgrades
• Work with experienced delivery and engineering teams
• Long-term project pipeline across national energy infrastructure

Sev Espino – Talent Resourcer
Email: sev.espino@people8.com.au
Phone: 0480 848 716

Step into a key leadership role driving the delivery of major power infrastructure programs across Victoria. This is an opportunity to take ownership of complex, high-value projects while influencing safety, performance, and delivery outcomes within a growing and well-supported business.

About the Company
This organisation is a leading provider of essential network services across power, gas, water, renewables, transport, and telecommunications. Known for its technology-agnostic and outcome-focused approach, it delivers end-to-end solutions spanning design, construction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure. With a strong commitment to safety, compliance, and workforce capability, the business continues to expand its presence across major utility and asset owner projects nationally.

Requirements
• 10+ years’ experience in power infrastructure or utilities project delivery
• Strong background in overhead and/or underground lines construction
• Proven leadership managing project managers, engineers, and field teams
• Experience delivering projects within structured PM frameworks
• Solid understanding of power distribution networks and compliance standards

What’s on Offer
• Lead major power programs with full lifecycle ownership
• Influence safety, performance, and operational outcomes
• Work on high-value, complex infrastructure projects
• Career progression within a growing national business
• Supportive leadership environment with strong delivery capability

Job Description
As our new Project Manager, you will take ownership of a portfolio of high-value electrical distribution projects, from initiation through to delivery and close-out. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely on time, within scope and budget, and to the highest quality standards.
 
About the Opportunity
Our clients Services Infrastructure division delivers end-to-end engineering and asset management services to leading utility and energy providers across Australia. With a strong focus on the power distribution sector, our success is built on a commitment to safety, quality, innovation, and sustainability.
 
Location: Melbourne
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Reporting To: Account Manager
 
Key Responsibilities
Client & Opportunity Management

• Build strong relationships with key client personnel and understand their strategic drivers (e.g. regulatory framework, political pressure, Operational/ business strategy).

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities, including early engagement and unsolicited proposals.

• Maintain and update client management plans and opportunity pipelines.

• Act as a focal point for us corporate knowledge of the client by engage in regular meetings with client as well and managing wider company engagement and consolidation of knowledge. Seek and act on client feedback.

• Collaborate with Estimating/BD teams to position us for upcoming tenders and programs.

• Promote understanding of the companies capability and leveraging from our current service portfolio in promoting and expanding the scope of services provided.

• Proactively identify tender opportunities well in advance of their release to market and obtains key background information and positions us to be better informed and prepared than our competitors at the time of tender release.

• Report quarterly on client engagement to the leadership team.

• Achieve annual revenue and contribution budget for specified client(s).

Project Mobilisation

• Review contract documents and develop the Project Management Plans including the project control metrics for monitoring safety, time, cost, and quality progress.

• Carry out all Project Pre-Commencement requirements (as required by the client, our own procedures and/or relevant authorities)

• Coordinate with relevant managers (internal and external) for the commitment/allocation of resources (people, plant, equipment, procurement, subcontractors, suppliers) to meet the program.

• Develop / confirm the Construction Program.

• Establish project teams and coordinate pre-commencement activities.

Project Delivery

• Lead the project team to foster collaboration and cohesion.

• Deliver safely, ensuring no harm throughout project execution.

• Contracts administration including project communications, document management and records management.

• Managing and monitoring progress performance against safety, time, cost, and quality targets and adjusting to achieve successful outcomes including monthly forecasting of time and cost outcomes at project completion.

• Managing and monitoring of delivery against scope and contract obligations – recognising, preparing, submitting, and negotiating variations and other contractual claims such as latent conditions, extension of time in accordance with contract requirements.

• Project reporting (Internal and client) including but not limited to safety, financial (including cash and debtors), risk, delivery, and relationship.

• Project billing and claims management, subcontractor management, and stakeholder engagement

Project Close-Out

• Ensure timely completion of projects, including the submission of all final documentation such as as-built drawings, asset registers, artefacts, and audit-compliant reports.

• Manage defect rectification and final payment claims, including the return of security deposits at Practical Completion.

• Conduct lessons learned reviews and providing feedback to Estimating / BD teams and ensure proper archiving of all project records.

• Ensure strict adherence to our close-out procedures to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.

Health, Safety, Environment & Quality

• Participate in HSEQ activities including JSA’s, audits, and incident investigations.

• Ensure compliance with safety standards, Contract KPI’s and regulation.

About You
As the Project Manager takes strong personal ownership of high value projects through all stages of the project management life cycle including successfully bidding and winning projects through to safely and profitably delivering and closing out projects in accordance with project management systems. In doing so, the Project Manager consults and coordinates with other key personal in the efficient management of resources and mitigation of risks.
You are a driven and detail-oriented professional with a passion for delivering infrastructure projects that make a real impact. You thrive in dynamic environments and have a solid understanding of electrical distribution networks in Victoria.
 
Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent (or equivalent trade background).

• 5+ years’ experience managing electrical infrastructure or utilities projects.

• Previous experience within the relevant and VESI utilities environment (advantageous)

• Driver’s license valid in the state of operation.

• Construction industry induction card ‘white card.

 
Technical & Project Management Skills

• Strong knowledge of HV/LV distribution systems, switching procedures, and outage planning.

• Familiarity with ADSS, OPGW, pole replacements, and underground/overhead asset installation.

• Proficient in MS Project and project management tools.

• Understanding of commercial, contractual, and financial aspects of projects.

• Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and site establishment activities.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Self-starter with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects.

• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.