Senior Project Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 10, 2026. Downer Group scores B on the Alion truth index.
The opportunity
Downer is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead the safe and successful delivery of major power projects across Western Australia, with a focus on substations, Battery Energy Storage Systems, transmission infrastructure, renewable energy connections and high voltage electrical infrastructure.
This role will take accountability for projects across the complete lifecycle, from opportunity development and tendering through engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, energisation and close out. You will lead multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners while maintaining a strong focus on safety, commercial performance, client satisfaction, schedule, quality and risk.
As the primary project leader and client interface, you will be responsible for contractual performance, stakeholder engagement, project governance and the achievement of approved investment outcomes. You will also contribute to the continued growth of the Western Australian Power Projects business through tender development, client engagement, execution planning and continuous improvement.
Your key responsibilities will include providing visible safety leadership and promoting a strong Zero Harm culture across all project activities. You will establish project execution plans and approved baselines, manage scope, schedules, resources and contractual milestones, and oversee project risks, issues, opportunities and change.
You will maintain accountability for profitability, margins, cash flow, forecasts, Estimate at Completion and Cost to Complete performance. You will also manage contract obligations, variations, claims, extensions of time and subcontract administration in accordance with delegated authority and governance requirements.
An important part of this position will be building trusted client relationships, leading governance meetings and executive reporting, resolving stakeholder matters and identifying opportunities to improve client outcomes. You will also coach and develop project personnel, foster a high performance culture and support capability development and succession planning.
What we’re looking for
- You will be an accomplished project leader with significant experience delivering complex projects within the power, utilities, energy, mining or infrastructure sectors. You will have demonstrated experience delivering high voltage electrical infrastructure through engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, together with strong commercial, contractual and client relationship capability.
- You will bring the following qualifications and experience.
- A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management or a related discipline
A project management qualification and AIPM CPPM accreditation, or an equivalent accreditation, is preferred
- A current driver’s licence
- Significant experience leading complex multidisciplinary project teams
- Strong commercial acumen, including financial management, forecasting, reporting and contract administration
- Experience managing procurement, subcontractors, construction, commissioning and energisation activities
- Advanced capability in project governance, assurance, risk management and opportunity management
- Knowledge of Australian Standards, utility industry requirements and Western Australian work health and safety legislation
- Competency using Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and enterprise project systems
- Experience in substations, Battery Energy Storage Systems, transmission infrastructure, renewable energy connections or utility network infrastructure will be highly regarded.
- You will be a resilient and adaptable leader who combines strategic thinking with a strong delivery focus. Your communication, influencing, negotiation and decision making skills will enable you to lead complex and high risk projects while maintaining positive relationships with clients, team members, delivery partners and other stakeholders.
What we offer
- The opportunity to lead significant power infrastructure projects that support Western Australia’s energy future
- A senior leadership position with accountability across the complete project lifecycle
- The opportunity to work with experienced engineering, commercial, construction and commissioning professionals
- A supportive environment focused on safety, collaboration, professional development and continuous improvement
- Career development opportunities across Downer’s broader Energy and Utilities portfolio
- A culture that values strong leadership, client outcomes and operational excellence
About Energy and Utilities
Downer’s Energy and Utilities business provides essential services and infrastructure solutions across the power, gas, water, renewable energy and telecommunications sectors. Our teams work with customers and communities to design, build, operate and maintain critical infrastructure while delivering safe, reliable and sustainable outcomes.
Downer Group is 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.
How to apply
To apply for this opportunity, select Apply and submit your current resume together with any information relevant to your experience delivering complex power or high voltage infrastructure projects.
Please note that screening and interviews may take place before the advertised closing date, and the advertisement may close early once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Downer does not accept any unsolicited resume referrals from recruitment agencies. Downer will not be responsible for any placement fees relating to unsolicited resume referrals.