Major Energy Project
Australia
- Newly created executive appointment on a multi-billion-dollar energy project
- Build and lead the owner-side commissioning team through strategy, planning and execution phases
- Full-time position in Australia. International candidates considered (visa, relocation and housing provided)
A once-in-a-generation Australian energy project is underway and approaching its most critical phase: commissioning. With multi-gigawatt installed capacity, this asset will play a central role in Australia's energy transition.
The owner of the project is creating a Head of Commissioning role to lead the build-out of its commissioning function, set the strategy and plan, and steer execution through to handover and operations. This is the most senior commissioning appointment on the project.
What you will be doing as the Head of Commissioning
Reporting into senior project leadership, you will take ownership of the commissioning programme from the owner's perspective - building and leading a team that will grow to approximately 10–12 direct reports across mechanical, electrical, controls, SCADA and grid integration disciplines as commissioning activities ramp.
As this is a highly complex piece of infrastructure, the owner is getting ahead of the game and setting up for success by appointing this leader 2–3 years ahead of when main commissioning execution begins.
Key responsibilities:
- Set and own the commissioning strategy, sequencing and execution plan for the project
- Build, lead and develop an integrated commissioning organisation that operates as one team alongside the EPC contractor and turbine OEM, while maintaining the owner's stewardship and assurance role
- Own the grid integration interface - including regulatory compliance, generator performance standard testing (R1/R2/R3) and the transmission connection programme
- Lead the witness testing, hold point and handover regime through to practical completion and into the defects liability period
- Provide executive-level reporting on commissioning progress, risk and contractual performance to project leadership and external stakeholders
- Drive the integration with the future operations team to ensure seamless handover
What you can bring as the Head of Commissioning
You are a senior commissioning leader with a track record of running large-scale commissioning organisations on multi-billion-dollar projects. You may come from any of the following backgrounds:
- Large-scale power generation (CCGT, OCGT, conventional thermal, nuclear)
- LNG, oil and gas mega-projects with complex multi-discipline commissioning programmes
- Large international hydropower or pumped storage projects
- Major transmission, HVDC or grid-connected mega-infrastructure
- Engineering qualifications (mechanical, electrical or controls), ideally with PMP or equivalent
- Demonstrated leadership of commissioning organisations of 50+ people through staged execution
- Strong owner's representative or owner-side experience - comfortable with assurance, governance and integration as much as hands-on delivery
- Multi-discipline technical literacy across mechanical, electrical, controls and grid systems
- Experience operating across EPC contractor, OEM and asset owner interfaces in a JV or alliance environment
- A collaborative leadership style - able to influence across contractor parties
- AEMO and Australian grid connection experience is highly regarded; international candidates with equivalent grid integration experience will also be considered
Applications are managed exclusively through Design & Build. For a confidential discussion, contact Sam Carew, Head of Energy & Infrastructure at Design & Build on +61 411 982 347 or email sam@designandbuild.com.au.
