DES Program Manager

• Drive the rollout of cutting-edge distributed batteries, leading projects from concept to commissioning
• Permanent Full Time | Competitive Package + Short Term Incentive
• Sydney Location | Flexible hybrid work model

About Ausgrid – we're wired for good

We're the largest distributer of electricity
on Australia's east coast, which means over two million homes and businesses rely on our good work. We're here at the heart of the energy transition, and we're driven by a powerful purpose to make electricity accessible for all.

It's an exciting new chapter for our company
with each day bringing a renewed energy to how we deliver, store and use electricity. As we continue to grow, we're in search of exceptional talent to help us achieve our goals.

Everyone's job is important here. Our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we. We're committed to fostering a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace, and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

See yourself working here

As part of our commitment to decarbonisation and resilience, we are investing in cutting-edge Distributed Energy Storage (DES) solutions that will transform the way our network supports customers, communities, and the grid. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Program Manager – Development & Delivery to join our DES team and lead a portfolio of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects delivered through EPC contracts with OEM and EPC partners.

In this role, you will take ownership of the full lifecycle of distributed battery projects, acting as both Portfolio Manager and Owner's Engineer. You will be responsible for scoping, design review, engineering interface, and commissioning oversight — ensuring safe, efficient, and commercially sound outcomes. A key focus will be on value engineering and disciplined cost tracking to optimise investment across the program. Working closely with colleagues such as the Senior Battery Development Manager, BESS Solution Manager, Commercial Contracts Manager, and Solution Architect, you will define scopes of work and align critical interfaces to ensure program success.

You will lead and coordinate both internal teams and external delivery partners to drive projects from early planning through to construction and commissioning. Your technical knowledge and commercial acumen will be essential in balancing engineering quality with cost efficiency, managing risks, and delivering results on time and within budget.

This role requires someone who thrives under the pressures of time-sensitive delivery while also keeping sight of long-term program sustainability. You will maintain schedules, oversee governance, track financial performance, and provide regular updates to senior management. By embedding standardised practices, promoting knowledge sharing, and reinforcing a culture of value engineering, you will help Ausgrid scale its capability in distributed energy storage and deliver lasting benefits to customers and communities.

What you bring to the role

Our hiring decisions are not only based on your experience and skills, but your passion, attitude and alignment to our core values.

Success in this role will require strong leadership, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously. You'll work closely with commercial, technical, and regulatory stakeholders to ensure that all project elements are aligned with Ausgrid's strategic goals and deliver lasting value to the organisation and the communities we serve.

To be successful, you will have the following skills & experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Engineering (or other relevant discipline) or similar experience in a similar position.
• Proven knowledge and experience in electricity infrastructure or battery/renewable project development or industrial capital works programs.
• Relevant experience in high voltage network infrastructure.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary engineering professions and/or project development teams, leveraging both internal and external resources in a time constrained scenario.
• Established interpersonal skills and experience in negotiation, influencing, and building rapport with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to facilitate working groups of subject matter specialists and drive timely consensus to enable positive program outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing, driving and delivering on strategic outcomes, whilst fostering agreement among stakeholders with different needs and expectations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear narratives and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Proven ability to balance technical, commercial, and stakeholder priorities to deliver optimised, end-to-end program outcomes.
• Proficient in project management tools and systems, including Microsoft Office, Primavera P6, and MS Project.
• Strong organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience navigating complex internal and external relationships.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with sound judgement and decision-making under pressure.

We encourage applications from individuals with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, Building, or Construction. Eligibility for membership with Engineers Australia or a similar recognised professional body is highly regarded. Additional qualifications in management or business will be considered favourably.

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about contributing to Australia's clean energy future, we welcome your application

Life at Ausgrid

At Ausgrid, we go beyond just a competitive salary to offer an exciting range of benefits. From salary sacrificing electric vehicles and novated leasing, to discounted corporate health insurance and access to Fitness Passport, our benefits support your work here, and your life out there.

Celebrate success every day with our employee recognition program to bring out each other's best. Looking to grow professionally? We've got you covered with study assistance, secondments, training and mentors, whose advice you'll keep wherever you go.

We're proud to offer gender-neutral parental leave to balance work when growing your family. And if you're caring for elderly parents, our aged care support services offer expert guidance to help you access care for your loved ones. At Ausgrid, it's all about supporting you in every aspect of life.

If you require support with your application/reasonable adjustments for the interview process, please reach out to our dedicated Talent Team

Application close date: 17 October 2025
(please note, this date is subject to early closure)

Applicants must have full Australian work rights to apply.