Senior Project Manager | Substations & BESS (WA)

The Role

Take the lead in delivering cutting-edge Substation & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across WA with Downer’s renowned Power Projects Team. We're seeking a results-driven Senior Project Manager with a proven track record in delivering complex electrical infrastructure, ideally Substation/BESS, to manage large-scale energy projects from concept to commissioning.

You’ll bring strategic leadership, commercial acumen and a sharp delivery focus to ensure every project is completed safely, profitably, and to the highest quality and stakeholder satisfaction standards.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will be building the team from the ground up with the view to stepping into a senior management position (Program Manager (WA). You’ll collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers, field staff, contractors, and clients to help shape the nation’s transition to clean energy.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Promote and instil a Zero Harm culture throughout all stages of project delivery.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects in accordance with Downer’s Project Management framework.
• Coordinate project teams and subcontractors to ensure timely, safe, and budget-conscious delivery.
• Provide commercial oversight, including cost controls, program reporting and contract management.
• Build strong client relationships and represent Downer’s values in stakeholder interactions and project governance.

About You

You’re a confident and motivated leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver utility-scale electrical infrastructure or BESS projects. You thrive in complex environments and can drive performance, innovation and continuous improvement.

• A trade or engineering background (Electrical or similar) and relevant PM qualifications.
• Proven success in delivering Substation, BESS or HV infrastructure projects under EPC, D&C, or construct-only models.
• Strong commercial, stakeholder and contract management capabilities.
• A collaborative and safety-first approach, with the ability to mentor and inspire teams.
• Proficiency with project systems and tools such as SAP, Excel and scheduling software.

Our Offer

• A generous salary package with all the necessary tools to perform your job well is on offer.
• This role is a stepping stone to Program Manager, overseeing a WA within Power Projects.
• Become part of one of the leading service lines in the Energy & Utilities sector, celebrated for its strong community and passionate, high-achieving teams.
• A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP, Beyond Blue and health insurance discounts.
• Access to Perks@Downer, which offers discounts and savings on various products, including retail items, travel deals, and entertainment options.
• Energy & Utilities has a dedicated internal mobility team that focuses on internal progression, succession identification, and thorough redeployment opportunities where appropriate. We invest in our people and are industry leaders in this regard.
• We are a Tier 1 ASX-listed company with in-house capabilities far exceeding traditional contractors.

About Us (E&U)

Downer Group’s Energy & Utilities (E&U) business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today’s critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

We are an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people’s diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

Apply today and energise your career with Downer. We look forward to hearing from you!  For more information, please get in touch with Ryan Delon, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at ryan.delon@downergroup.com.

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications through the advertisement, but applications submitted via email will not be accepted.