Manager Secondary Systems and Protection Engineering

Job description

About ElectraNet ElectraNet builds, owns, operates, and maintains the South Australian high voltage electricity transmission network that delivers energy from generators to distributors and major load-connected customers, enabling power to be supplied to homes, businesses, and communities. Our people describe our culture as one that is supportive, inclusive, and community-oriented, where we genuinely want each other to succeed. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced engineering leader to take on the role of Manager Secondary Systems and Protection Engineering. Reporting to the Head of Project Engineering alongside your peers in other disciplines this role is responsible for developing and maintaining the capability and performance of ElectraNet's Secondary Systems and Protection Engineering function. You will lead a team of technical specialists while providing trusted advice to senior leaders and stakeholders across the business. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of critical infrastructure supporting South Australia's transmission network. Combining technical leadership, people leadership and commercial acumen, you will drive continuous improvement, support major projects, influence business strategy and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable and compliant engineering outcomes. Based in Adelaide, this full-time role will also cover the following key responsibilities: • Lead and develop ElectraNet's Secondary Systems Engineering function • Provide strategic and operational engineering advice across the business • Lead the delivery of technical services across major capital projects • Develop engineering standards, frameworks, policies and procedures • Ensure compliance with engineering governance and technical standards • Manage engineering resources, budgets and project priorities • Build strong relationships with executives, customers and stakeholders • Drive continuous improvement, innovation and operational efficiency • Lead change initiatives and foster a high-performance culture • Oversee engineering performance, risk management and reporting • Support the ongoing development of engineering systems and processes • Ensure safety, quality and environmental standards are consistently achieved About You You are a senior engineering leader with extensive experience in protection, automation or secondary systems within utilities, transmission, energy or other complex infrastructure environments. You bring a strong combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking and people leadership, with a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering successful engineering outcomes. Comfortable operating at both executive and operational levels, you thrive on influencing stakeholders, driving change and balancing technical, commercial and business objectives. To be successful, you will bring: • Minimum 10+ years' experience in a relevant engineering or discipline leadership role • Tertiary qualification in Engineering or a relevant discipline • Demonstrated experience providing strategic and operational advice and contributing to business strategy • Proven experience leading and building high-performing teams through effective leadership and change management • Extensive knowledge and experience in Protection and Automation systems • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build collaborative and productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups • Strong financial acumen with the ability to understand business impacts and support sound commercial decision-making • Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, mentor and develop employees to achieve best-practice outcomes • Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution capability • Demonstrated ability to act decisively and take urgent action to resolve complex challenges • Strong people leadership capability, with the ability to constructively challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement Highly regarded skills include: • Strong knowledge of HV transmission networks, substations, transmission performance and operation • Knowledge of the National Electricity Rules, Transmission Codes and relevant industry standards • Electricity industry experience within transmission, utilities or energy infrastructure • Postgraduate management or business-related qualifications • Chartered Engineer status with Engineers Australia • Level 1 Substation Access and/or White Card training • Experience operating across major capital projects and multidisciplinary engineering environments Employee Benefits ElectraNet is committed to empowering our people and recognising their contribution with a competitive remuneration package. We are proud to offer a competitive base salary based on experience, five weeks annual leave per year, and bonus eligibility of up to 15%. Some of the other benefits include: • 15 days personal/carers leave per year. • 5 weeks of annual leave per year. • 16 weeks paid parental leave. • Additional paid volunteering and office closure leave. • Flexible work practices and wellbeing support. • Relocation and visa support for this Adelaide based role. • Paid volunteering leave and cultural celebration flexibility. • Exciting projects, professional development, and a vibrant and inclusive team culture. • Support for professional certification and memberships. • Regular social events and activities. How To Apply Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online via our careers page or click the 'Apply' button on this advert. Submissions will close on 6th November 2026. Applications will be assessed as they are received and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a telephone screening and discussion. For more information about the role and to obtain a copy of the Position Descriptions, please visit our careers page or click here. Successful applicants will be required to undergo background checks. These checks may include global criminal history checks, reference checks, and validation of qualifications, employment history, Australian work rights, and any additional checks depending on the role. ElectraNet is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. We are proud to be a Work180 Endorsed Employer. You can read more about our key benefits, including flexible work options, leave and other supports, here.