Title:  Project Control Manager

Project Controls Manager - Western Renewables Link Project

Are you ready to make a real impact in Australia’s energy transition?

At AusNet, we play a key role in the energy transition and providing essential energy to Victorian households and businesses.

Help us lead the way, while enriching your career with real people who encourage you to bring your best and make real impact – for your career, our communities and Australia’s clean energy future.

About the role

The Western Renewable Link (WRL) is one of Victoria’s major transmission projects and a critical part of the state’s energy transition.

As Project Controls Manager, you will report to the PMO Director and play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project. You’ll be responsible for establishing and executing cost engineering, scheduling, estimating, and reporting processes and procedures, ensuring the project team and leadership are informed through timely and insightful analysis.

You will lead the effective execution of Project Controls programs across WRL, overseeing cost engineering, cost analysis/control, and planning/scheduling functions. Your work will provide critical project information and analysis to support best-for-project decision-making, while also owning responsibility for comprehensive project reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate cost estimating and direct cost analysis and control activities.
• Lead schedule development, maintenance, monitoring, impact identification, and recovery planning.
• Oversee preparation and presentation of project estimates, trends, change proposals, and cost forecasts.
• Identify, analyse, and provide innovative solutions to cost engineering and scheduling challenges.
• Plan project controls staffing needs in collaboration with the PMO Director.
• Review contract drafts for cost and scope adequacy and lead development of project controls data for contract negotiations.
• Prepare and deliver Project Controls presentations to AusNet and external stakeholders.
• Support development and training of team members through on-the-job and classroom programs.
• Conduct performance reviews, career counselling, and employment recommendations for assigned staff.
• Direct project control activities and implement policies, objectives, and standards for cost and schedule control.
• Maintain the Project Controls Management Plan and Procedures.
• Collaborate with the Project Risk Manager to integrate risk management with key project processes.
• Undertake ad-hoc analysis and tasks as assigned by the PMO Director or General Manager.
• Oversee client reporting and development of the WRL staffing plan.
• Lead analysis of contractor reports, brief critical findings, and ensure corrective actions are taken where needed.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll bring a sharp eye for detail, strong commercial acumen, and the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. With a learning mindset and the ability to quickly grasp complex concepts, you’ll communicate with clarity and confidence, work proactively within a team, and stay organised under pressure. Your adaptability and commitment to tracking project requirements will ensure you consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management or related field with more than 15 years of project controls or cost related work experience.
• In lieu of bachelor’s degree, 20 years of project controls or cost control experience.

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years in a portfolio, program or project management role of construction projects
• Experience in performing, monitoring, and reviewing cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, and cost analysis
• Experience with EcoSys (preferred)
• Excellent oral and written communication
• High level of knowledge of engineering, procurement, contracts, construction, and startup work processes
• Strong organisational skills with proven ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure
• High attention to detail and commercial acumen
• Strong resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment
• A learning mindset with the aptitude to quickly grasp new or complex concepts
• Ability to work positively and proactively within a team environment
• Demonstrated willingness to adapt to work volumes and track against project requirements

Please note, we will not be engaging in Recruitment agencies for this role, please apply directly!

A real place to belong.

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:

• 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.

As an industry in transformation, we’re excited by the possibilities ahead.

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.