Project Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Project Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
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Job Description
Who We Are
Zinfra is a leading partner in the design build operation and maintenance of Australias energy and utilities infrastructure. Delivering over $1B portfolio annuallythe work we do is essential to bringing energy to our communities safely and reliably while powering the nations energy transition. With a diverse workforce of more than 2300 we expertly deliver our services across Australia.
Role Purpose:
As the energy sector accelerates toward decentralisation electrification and grid resilience the Project Manager BESS will lead the development and delivery of strategically located battery energy storage projects (<5MW) embedded within zone substations across the Australian electricity network.
This role will drive outcomes across technical safety commercial and regulatory dimensions-transforming how small-scale energy storage integrates into the grid while aligning with national energy objectives and corporate profitability.
Key Accountabilities:
- Safety & Compliance:
- Lead by example in embedding a high-performance safety culture across all stages of project delivery. Ensure strict compliance with WHS legislation electrical safety standards utility network rules and relevant environmental regulations.
- Project Leadership:
- Drive full-lifecycle delivery of BESS projectsfrom concept feasibility and design through procurement construction commissioning and asset handover.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership:
- Develop strong relationships across internal teams (engineering asset management operations field services) external OEMs consultants and DNSPs. Lead multidisciplinary teams without direct authority and influence key outcomes with commercial and operational stakeholders.
- Technical Stewardship:
- Ensure optimal integration of BESS into zone substations with consideration for system protection SCADA/telemetry cybersecurity safety schemes (e.g. REFCL) and DER/grid-edge compatibility.
- Financial & Commercial Discipline:
- Deliver BESS projects within approved budgets and schedules while identifying cost-saving opportunities and maximising lifecycle value. Demonstrate a commercial mindset aligned with corporate financial targets and shareholder expectations.
- Innovation & Continuous Learning:
- Stay abreast of emerging technologies standards (e.g. IEC 61850 AS/NZS 5139) and integration methodologies. Champion continuous improvement in design standardisation project delivery and digital tools.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Zero LTIs or significant safety incidents.
- Project delivery within 5% of approved budget and timeline.
- 100% compliance with technical regulatory and cyber standards.
- 90% stakeholder satisfaction (internal/external) at project close-out.
- Demonstrated ROI or performance uplift (e.g. peak demand reduction voltage stability).
- Knowledge contribution to asset strategy standardisation or lessons-learned forums.
Desirable Experience & Capabilities:
- Professional Engineer (elec). Member IEAust
- Experience in utility-scale or distribution-level energy infrastructure projects.
- Hands-on delivery experience with BESS systems particularly <5MW grid-connected assets in zone substations.
- Deep understanding of protection schemes SCADA/ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management System) systems inverter behaviour and energy market dynamics (optional but advantageous).
- Familiarity with OEM platforms including:
- Hardware: Tesla Fluence Saft Sungrow PowerPlus CATL Siemens EVE Trina
- EMS/SCADA: Schneider EcoStruxure Hitachi ABB Grid Edge Greensync SwitchDin
- Good working knowledge of AEMO DNSP connection processes and AS/NZSseries.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-vendor delivery and integration programs across brownfield and greenfield environments.
Key Attributes:
- Safety-first mindset with the ability to influence and uphold a proactive safety culture
- Strategic thinker who aligns project outcomes with long-term network performance and commercial goals.
- Relationship builder who earns trust from crews peers leadership and external stakeholders alike.
- Continuous learner who keeps pace with evolving technologies standards and market models.
- Commercially minded engineer who understands or is happy to learn both CAPEX/OPEX dynamics and shareholder expectations.
- Decisive leader with integrity resilience and a bias for outcomes
Why This Role Matters:
Battery storage at the zone-substation level will play a critical role in grid reliability energy transition and value stacking across demand management voltage support and outage mitigation. This role offers the opportunity to lead tangible future-ready infrastructure that benefits both the community and the company.
Recruitment Process
During our recruitment process you may be required to undertake pre-employment checks including pre-employment medical reference checks and a national police check.Notice to Third Parties: Zinfra does not accept unsolicited resumes (or liability associated with fees or costs) from recruitment agencies search firms or third parties. Interested candidates are welcome to submit their application independently.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
