Project Portfolio Director

Location: Melbourne

About Fluence

Fluence, a Siemens and AES company, is the leading global energy storage technology solutions and services company that combines the agility of a fast-growing technology company with the expertise, vision, and financial backing of two industry powerhouses. Fluence’s goal is to create a more sustainable future by transforming the way we power our world. The company offers proven energy storage technology solutions designed to address the diverse needs and challenges of customers in a rapidly transforming energy landscape, providing design, delivery and integration in over 160 countries. Fluence works closely with customers throughout their journey and provides advisory, financing, and project lifecycle services.

Job Description  

Fluence is defined by its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and integrity. This key leadership role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the lifecycle of EPC project development, delivery, and long-term service arrangements particularly in the electrical energy storage sector. Collaborating closely with executive stakeholders, the ideal candidate will possess an outstanding customer focused delivery mindset with a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective team leadership.

Responsibilities

· Proactively oversee and provide collaborative leadership for a diverse portfolio of large-scale EPC and Core System projects ensuring strict alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

· Strong proven track record of customer stakeholder management throughout the complete business lifecycle.

· Provide strategic leadership and guidance to diverse multi-cultural project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

· Ensure the Project Organisation adheres to the high standards of Health and Safety management required by the Fluence organisation and our customers.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and customers, serving as the primary point of contact for project-related enquiries and concerns. Maintain trust and manage these relationships to ensure that a shared understanding of key issues between all parties is established and maintained from initial project development, throughout delivery and through long term service arrangements.

· Develop and implement effective project delivery and seamless handover strategies for complex EPC projects aligned with Fluence’s organisational goals and client expectations. Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions and ensure successful outcomes.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project management processes, methodologies, and tools.

· Ensure upstream and downstream contractual requirements of the projects are fully managed to ensure Fluence’s exposure is minimised and controlled.

· Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor project progress, regularly reporting on status and addressing any issues as they arise. Oversee all aspects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Ensure that an accurate Estimated Actual Cost at completion is continuously maintained.

· Collaborate with resource management teams to allocate resources effectively, optimizing project performance and efficiency. Foster a culture of learning and development.

· Proactively participate in, and in some cases lead, business improvement projects.

· Demonstrate and ensure strong compliance with all relevant regulations, standards, and policies, with a particular emphasis on safety and quality requirements.

Experience & Qualifications

· Proven experience in complex project delivery management, with a minimum of 7 years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale projects with continued long term customer relationships.

· Deep understand of the Australian electricity generation sector and NEM.

· Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead multiple cross-functional teams.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

· Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges.

· Demonstrated by repeat business, the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and internal teams.

· Strong understanding of electrical energy technologies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.

· Proven commercial and contractual leadership.

· Demonstrable ability working in a high-performance team within a virtual, matrixed, global organisation.

· Willingness to travel as needed to project sites, overseas events and customer locations.

Education

· Degree in Engineering or other relevant closely discipline is required.

· Tertiary qualifications in Project Management are preferred.

Travel

The role will include local and international travel.

Compensation

Compensation for the successful candidate will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Components include a base salary and an incentive bonus.