Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) construction projects across Australia. This role is accountable for project planning, resource and subcontractor management, cost control, safety compliance, client relationship management, and project closeout, ensuring outcomes are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to Tranex Power's quality standards.

This is a high-performance delivery role within the Operations function and forms the primary point of accountability between the office and the field. The successful candidate will be expected to develop into a Senior Project Manager and, over time, contribute to the broader operational leadership of the business.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Programming

• Develop, maintain and update construction programs using MS Project or equivalent, updated daily/weekly throughout the project lifecycle.

• Establish and manage detailed resource plans covering labour, plant, equipment, and materials in line with the program.

• Identify critical path activities and proactively manage program risks and slippage, escalating where required.

• Produce weekly progress reports for Operations Director and senior leadership covering schedule performance, cost status, risks, and critical issues.

• Coordinate design development and drawing issue schedules with EPC design partners, ensuring IFC documentation is available ahead of construction need dates.

2. Cost Management & Financial Performance

• Track and manage all project costs against the approved budget across Tranex's code cost structure (direct labour, subcontracts, materials, plant, prelims, etc.).

• Produce accurate monthly Cost to Complete (C2C) forecasts, including earned value analysis and trend reporting.

• Manage project cash flow in conjunction with the Commercial Manager, ensuring milestone claims are submitted on time and recoveries are maximised.

• Identify and administer scope changes through formal variation processes, ensuring all changes are priced, approved, and reflected in the project budget.

• Achieve or exceed revenue and margin targets set for each project.

3. Contract Administration

• Administer head contracts and subcontracts in accordance with their terms, including notice obligations, RFI management, variation claims, and EOT submissions.

• Maintain thorough records of all contractual correspondence, meeting minutes, site instructions, and change events.

• Identify and manage latent conditions, design changes, and Superintendent decisions that carry commercial or program implications.

• Engage proactively with clients and Superintendents to resolve issues before they escalate to formal disputes.

• Ensure all necessary permits, approvals, ITPs, and hold-point sign-offs are obtained in advance of construction activities.

4. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture on all projects, leading by example and enforcing Tranex Power's WHS Management System.

• Conduct and/or oversee toolbox talks, site safety audits, SWMS reviews, and incident investigations in accordance with Tranex procedures.

• Ensure all subcontractors and employees comply with site-specific safety requirements, relevant legislation, and client HSEQ standards.

• Oversee implementation of the Project Quality Plan, including ITP sign-off, NCR management, and punch-list closeout.

• Ensure AS/NZS standards, grid connection requirements, and relevant building codes are followed across all works.

5. Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management

• Scope, procure, and manage specialist subcontractors including civil, structural, electrical, commissioning, and vegetation management.

• Review subcontractor programmes, resource mobilisation, and method statements to ensure alignment with the master program.

• Manage subcontractor performance, including attendance at regular progress meetings, issuance of notices where required, and assessment of progress claims.

• Coordinate materials procurement and logistics in conjunction with the project team to eliminate construction delays.

6. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, Superintendent, and key project stakeholders throughout construction.

• Manage client expectations proactively, providing transparent updates on program, cost, and risk.

• Represent Tranex Power in project control group (PCG) meetings, site meetings, and regulatory interactions.

• Build and maintain productive client relationships that support repeat engagement and referrals.

7. Reporting & Administration

• Generate and issue internal and external project reports as required by Tranex procedures and contract requirements.

• Maintain accurate project registers including drawing registers, RFI logs, variation logs, defect lists, and risk registers.

• Prepare project closeout documentation including as-built records, O&M manuals, warranties, and handover packs.

• Manage project team timesheets, expense submissions, and on-site logistics (accommodation, rosters, vehicles).

8. Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor site supervisors, foremen, and assistant project managers assigned to each project.

• Conduct regular one on ones and performance reviews for direct reports, identifying development needs and training opportunities.

• Contribute to a high-performance culture within the Operations team through professional conduct, knowledge sharing, and accountability.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen — ability to read and administer construction contracts (D&C and construct-only) and identify commercial opportunities.

• Proficient in MS Project or equivalent scheduling software; competent in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).

• Sound financial literacy — understanding of job cost accounting, WIP, earned value, and cash flow management.

• Effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills — able to prepare clear correspondence, reports, and meeting minutes.

• Experienced negotiator with the ability to resolve disputes, manage difficult subcontractor relationships, and de-escalate client concerns.

• Excellent organisational skills with high attention to detail — able to manage multiple workstreams concurrently under deadline pressure.

• Understanding of solar PV and BESS construction processes, equipment, and commissioning sequences (desirable).

• Familiarity with AS 4902-2000 (D&C) or AS 2124-1992 contract frameworks (desirable).

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in construction project management, with at least 2 years on utility-scale solar, BESS, or energy infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects from $5M to $50M+ in construction value.

• Proven track record of managing labour intensive, multi-subcontract construction projects.

• Trade qualification or engineering background (electrical, civil, or mechanical) is highly regarded.

• Project Management qualification (PMI, AIPM, or equivalent) desirable.

• White Card required; current A-Grade electrical licence advantageous.

• HV Switching or similar high-risk work authority advantageous.

• Full Australian driver's licence required.

Conditions

Salary plus super, plus Vehicle allowance, plus LAHA when on site.

Based out of the Melbourne Office (5 days in office).

Site travel required on a project-dependent basis

Accommodation, flights, and site transport arranged and funded by Tranex.

Overtime may be required during construction peak periods or to meet critical project milestones.