Director, Project Controls

Director, Project Controls – Western Renewables Link Project Are you ready to make a real impact in Australia’s energy transition? AusNet is about to embark on a major infrastructure delivery across its vast Victorian network. This marks a significant shift from business as usual as we play our role in the energy transition and providing essential energy to Victorian households and businesses. We are seeking to bring in key skills to help us lead the way in the energy transition. This is a great opportunity to bring your experience and make a genuine impact within AusNet while enriching your career in an exciting and growing infrastructure sector. About the role AusNet is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to head up our Project Controls Function within a multi‑billion–dollar Project – one of Victoria’s major transmission projects and a critical part of the state’s energy transition. As a direct report to the Project Director, you will lead a high‑performing team responsible for embedding advanced project management controls and tools across the project. Overseeing key disciplines including Compliance & Risk, Quality, Program, Project Controls, Project Reporting and Document Management. This role demands strategic oversight and integration across diverse delivery and functional teams to identify and address major project management challenges. Your leadership will ensure the development and prioritisation of initiatives that proactively mitigate risks and drive project success. You will deliver critical, timely insights and analysis that empower the team to make informed decisions aligned with best‑for‑project outcomes. This is an opportunity to bring your wealth of experience and set up a team for success. Key Responsibilities Model strong leadership to inspire direction, support better delivery outcomes, develop people, lead change across the project and instil better practice within the AusNet business. Champion AusNet’s organisational values to achieve outstanding outcomes for both the Project, business and its customers. Contribute to the development of the Project Controls framework and lead the implementation of consistent project management methodologies, standards and tools. Drive the execution of a comprehensive Project governance, reporting and review framework to deliver a holistic view of project activity. Manage interdependencies across projects and packages, ensuring effective communication of deliverables, risks and issues, and monitoring key performance indicators. Provide high‑quality, responsive and timely advice across the Projects Leadership Team, navigating multiple contracts and competing priorities to support best‑for‑project outcomes. Identify and address major project management challenges, integrating across diverse teams to inform initiative development and proactively mitigate risks. Define and optimise business processes to strategically coordinate major contracts and initiatives, enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness. Build collaborative, supportive relationships with project leaders and senior stakeholders, assess team capability, and provide coaching and training to uplift project and program management performance. Foster engagement, compliance and cooperation in the value of the Project Controls function within a complex stakeholder environment. Contribute to the adoption of innovative project management tools and approaches, embedding them into the daily operations and culture of the project. What You’ll Bring to the role You’ll bring deep experience in project and programme management, backed by a highly analytical mindset and a proven ability to lead large teams across complex infrastructure projects. With expertise in Project Control disciplines, you’ll be confident driving performance, uplifting practices, and building strong stakeholder relationships. Formal qualifications in project management and exposure to programme or change methodologies will support your success in this high‑impact role. Qualifications & Certifications Essential : A relevant degree or diploma in Portfolio or Project Management, or equivalent experience. Desirable : Program and Project Management methodology; Change management methodology. Skills & Experience 10+ years in portfolio, programme or project management roles within major project development and construction. 5+ years in critical capital infrastructure projects $2B+ Proven experience overseeing varied projects in energy, transport or other critical infrastructure. Demonstrated success in uplifting organisational Project Control practices. Highly developed analytical capability. Strong collaboration and relationship‑building across complex organisations. Experience leading large teams (10+ staff). Knowledge and expertise across Project disciplines: Project Controls, Quality, Risk and Programming. Benefits Leave : more than typical personal leave and a generous 14 weeks of paid parental leave, with no minimum service. Community giving : a paid day to volunteer with our social impact partner, Foodbank, or for a cause that matters to you. Perks : we offer all the other perks you’ve come to expect like purchased leave, income protection insurance, novated leasing, corporate discounts, private health cover discounts and more. Culture & Opportunity Please note, we will not be engaging in Recruitment agencies for this role, please apply directly We celebrate unique voices, refreshing perspectives and diversity in our team. Engage and connect through our social club, wide range of events or by joining one of our Employee Network Groups. We believe in more than just competitive pay. Here’s what sets us apart: a real place to belong, a new way forward and the chance to shape the future of energy in Victoria. So, if you’re passionate about our purpose and committed to making real progress, bring your energy and join AusNet. Together, we can shape a new way forward. #J-18808-Ljbffr