Program Manager (NSW) | Substations & BESS

The Role

Are you ready to lead some of Australia’s most important energy infrastructure programs? Join Downer’s Power Projects team to manage a portfolio of Substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that are driving the energy transition throughout New South Wales. In this senior role, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, prioritise safety in project delivery, and exceed client expectations.

Based out of either Hexham, North Ryde or Eastern Creek, you’ll bring strategic leadership, commercial acumen and a sharp delivery focus to ensure every Substation and BESS project is completed safely, profitably, and to the highest quality and stakeholder satisfaction standards.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex substation and BESS programs across NSW
• Oversee financial performance, resource planning, and stakeholder relationships
• Drive a strong Zero Harm culture across field and office teams
• Mentor and manage a high-performing team of Project Managers, Engineers, and technical staff
• Actively contribute to business development, bidding, and strategic growth of the program

About You

You’re an accomplished leader with a passion for infrastructure and a track record in large-scale HV substation or BESS delivery. With strong commercial acumen, stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to Zero Harm, you're ready to lead from the front and shape the future of energy in NSW.

• A trade or engineering background (Electrical or similar) and relevant PM qualifications.
• Proven success in delivering 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 and a flexible working environment, which will also include a fully maintained vehicle.
• 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 that provides services and solutions connecting 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.