Project Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Who We Are 

Zinfra is a leading partner in the design, build, operation and maintenance of Australia’s energy and utilities infrastructure. Delivering over $1B portfolio annually, the work we do is essential to bringing energy to our communities safely and reliably, while powering the nation’s energy transition. With a diverse workforce of more than 2,300, 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 projects—from 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/NZS 4777, 5139, 3000 series.
• 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.