Senior Project/Grid Connection Manager

About the Company

An industry‑leading organisation within the data centre and critical infrastructure sector is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to support the development and delivery of large‑scale energy and utility projects across South Australia. This organisation is expanding its footprint and requires a specialist who can drive energy strategy, site evaluation, and utility engagement for new and emerging data centre developments.

About the Role

Location: Melbourne or Sydney

As the Senior Project Manager – Energy & Infrastructure, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s energy and site strategy, supporting site acquisition, and leading utility engagement from feasibility through to delivery. You will work closely with internal design, engineering, and construction teams, as well as external utilities, consultants, and government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investigations to assess energy options and availability across potential data centre sites.
• Conduct preliminary research and feasibility assessments on energy infrastructure, power capacity and supply sources in targeted regions.
• Oversee initial site screenings, ensuring all required documentation, analysis, and due diligence are completed.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with utilities, councils, consultants, and key external stakeholders.
• Manage the end‑to‑end process for securing initial capacity, quotations, programmes, and connection agreements for medium‑ and high‑voltage utility projects.
• Coordinate with internal engineering teams to address technical enquiries and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Support the Site Acquisition team in identifying and evaluating new sites across existing and emerging markets.
• Lead the process to secure utility power connection agreements for new developments.
• Provide strategic input to delivery teams to assess design alternatives, cost impacts, and programme implications.
• Monitor scope, schedule, and budget decisions related to energisation and utility‑related project components.
• Stay informed on relevant legislation, regulatory changes, and industry standards.
• Develop and manage utility budgets.
• Contribute to energy procurement policies, contract negotiations, and long‑term energy strategies.
• Support initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in power and energy infrastructure.
• Proven project management capability, including feasibility studies and multi‑technology analysis.
• Strong understanding of customer requirements, commercial drivers, financial considerations, and legislative frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead external teams, build strong relationships, and work collaboratively across functions.

What to Do Now

If you’re an experienced energy or utility‑focused project manager looking to take the next step in a rapidly growing sector, this role offers the opportunity to influence major infrastructure developments across South Australia.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up‑to‑date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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