Lead project delivery for utility-scale battery energy storage systems from financial close through construction completion and commissioning.
Location:
Melbourne
Contact:
Ivan Pignataro, D'Arcy Weil |
Focus:
BESS project delivery, construction management, commissioning
D'Arcy Weil is representing a global energy storage technology company deploying utility-scale battery energy storage systems across Australia. They are developing substantial BESS projects supporting grid stability, renewable integration, and energy transition, managing multi-hundred megawatt deployments across multiple states.
The business is expanding Australian operations with significant BESS project pipeline requiring experienced delivery leadership. They require a Head of Project Delivery to lead construction execution, manage contractor relationships, and deliver projects on time and within budget across their growing BESS portfolio.
They are seeking a Head of Project Delivery to lead end-to-end delivery of utility-scale BESS projects from financial close through construction completion and commissioning. This role offers the opportunity to deliver critical energy storage infrastructure supporting Australia's renewable energy transition.
The Role
As Head of Project Delivery - BESS, you will lead construction delivery of utility-scale battery energy storage projects from financial close through commissioning and handover to operations. This role requires deep expertise in BESS construction, contractor management, and project delivery in energy infrastructure environments.
You will manage construction contractors and EPC delivery, oversee engineering and technical compliance, coordinate commissioning and grid connection activities, manage project budgets and schedules, and ensure health and safety compliance. Leading delivery teams and managing multiple concurrent projects, you will take direct accountability for delivery outcomes including cost, schedule, quality, and safety performance.
This is a senior leadership role requiring both technical expertise and project management capability, with responsibility for delivering multi-hundred million dollar BESS infrastructure on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery Leadership:
* Lead end-to-end delivery of utility-scale BESS projects from financial close through commissioning and handover
* Take accountability for project delivery outcomes including cost, schedule, quality, and safety performance
* Manage multiple concurrent BESS projects across different development stages
* Drive project delivery strategy and implementation plans
* Report delivery progress, risks, and commercial outcomes to senior management
* Ensure projects achieve financial close milestones and transition smoothly to construction
Construction & Contractor Management:
* Manage EPC contractors and construction delivery for BESS installations
* Oversee civil works, electrical installation, and battery system integration
* Coordinate construction contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers
* Monitor contractor performance against schedules, budgets, and quality standards
* Manage variations, delays, and construction issues
* Ensure contractor compliance with specifications and project requirements
Engineering & Technical Oversight:
* Oversee engineering design and technical compliance for BESS systems
* Coordinate battery systems, inverters, power conversion systems, and balance of plant
* Manage technical interfaces with grid connection infrastructure
* Review engineering deliverables and approve technical documentation
* Ensure projects meet technical specifications and performance requirements
* Coordinate with OEM suppliers on equipment supply and technical support
Commissioning & Grid Connection:
* Lead commissioning activities including factory acceptance testing and site acceptance testing
* Coordinate grid connection commissioning and performance testing
* Manage registration processes with AEMO and network service providers
* Oversee performance testing and warranty demonstrations
* Ensure successful handover to operations teams
* Coordinate defects management and warranty claims
Budget & Schedule Management:
* Develop and manage project budgets from financial close through completion
* Track costs, commitments, and forecast expenditure
* Manage project schedules including critical path activities and milestone achievement
* Identify cost risks and implement mitigation strategies
* Monitor cash flow and payment schedules
* Report financial performance against approved budgets
Health, Safety & Environment:
* Ensure robust health and safety management across all project activities
* Implement safety management systems and contractor safety requirements
* Monitor safety performance and drive continuous improvement
* Ensure environmental compliance and permit conditions
* Conduct incident investigations and corrective actions
* Foster safety culture across delivery teams and contractors
Stakeholder Management:
* Coordinate with development teams on project handover and delivery readiness
* Engage with network service providers on grid connection and technical requirements
* Liaise with local councils, regulators, and government agencies
* Manage community engagement and stakeholder communications
* Coordinate with financing parties on delivery milestones and reporting
* Interface with operations teams on handover and commissioning support
Requirements
* Tertiary qualification in engineering, project management, construction management, or related discipline
* 10-15 years' experience in project delivery for energy infrastructure, renewable energy, or large-scale construction
* Proven track record delivering battery energy storage projects, renewable energy projects, or electrical infrastructure from construction through commissioning
* Strong understanding of BESS technology including battery systems, inverters, power conversion systems, and grid integration
* Experience managing EPC contractors and construction delivery for complex electrical infrastructure
* Demonstrated capability managing project budgets exceeding $100M and delivering on time and within budget
* Knowledge of grid connection processes, commissioning requirements, and AEMO registration
* Strong health and safety leadership with experience implementing safety management systems
* Excellent contractor management and commercial negotiation skills
* Project management expertise including schedule management, cost control, and risk mitigation
* Understanding of Australian electrical standards, grid codes, and regulatory requirements
* Stakeholder management capability including network service providers, regulators, and government agencies
* Team leadership skills with ability to build and develop high-performing delivery teams
* PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management qualification desirable
* Experience with utility-scale renewables, transmission infrastructure, or substation construction advantageous
* Background in energy storage, renewable energy developers, or EPC contractors preferred
Please submit your CV and a professional biography addressing:
* Experience delivering battery energy storage projects or similar electrical infrastructure from construction through commissioning
* Specific examples of projects delivered including capacity, budget, timeline, and outcomes achieved
* Approach to contractor management and construction delivery
* Understanding of BESS technology, grid connection, and commissioning requirements
* Capability managing budgets, schedules, and delivery outcomes for large-scale infrastructure
For Further Information Contact
Ivan Pignataro | Director
D'Arcy Weil
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This role is being managed exclusively by Ivan Pignataro at D'Arcy Weil. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
No sponsorship is being offered.