Commissioning Manager
Major BESS commissioning role with Contact Energy. 200MW / 400MWh Tesla Megapack project. Fixed-term or contractor engagement.
- Lead commissioning for Contact Energy's 200MW / 400MWh Tesla Megapack BESS
- Major role across commissioning, OEM interfaces, start-up and operational handov
- Fixed-term or contractor engagement via Phillip Riley, seconded to Contact Energ
Phillip Riley is partnering exclusively with Contact Energy to appoint a Commissioning Manager for the Glenbrook Ohurua Battery 2 Project, one of New Zealand’s most significant grid-scale battery developments.
This is a major BESS commissioning role, not a generic commissioning position.
The project is a confirmed 200MW / 400MWh battery energy storage system at Glenbrook in South Auckland, using 112 Tesla Megapack 2 XL units and connecting directly to the national grid.
You will lead the planning and management of pre-commissioning, commissioning, start-up, initial operation and handover to Contact’s BAU Operations team. The role will involve commissioning planning, test procedures, Level 4/5 schedules, vendor interfaces, permit to work, LOTO, FAT closeout, commissioning meetings, defect management, operational readiness and handover documentation.
This role will suit someone who has lived through the pressure and detail of commissioning complex energy infrastructure. You will need to understand the technical requirements, but just as importantly, you will need the communication and leadership skills to keep contractors, OEMs, vendors, internal teams and operational stakeholders aligned.
Experience with Tesla BESS solutions would be highly advantageous.
Contact is open to engaging the right person either as a fixed-term employee or as a contractor engaged via Phillip Riley and seconded to Contact Energy.
The expected engagement is 21-24 months, making this a strong opportunity for someone who wants to lead a major project without necessarily committing to a permanent move.
What you’ll be working across
You will work closely with Contact’s Major Projects Group, Engineering, Construction, Quality Assurance, Operational Readiness & Assurance, Operations, Contracts and Procurement teams. External interfaces will include consultants, contractors, Transpower, OEMs and other key project stakeholders.
The commissioning scope includes electrical systems such as switchgear, relay protection, metering, MV/LV transformers and cables, as well as controls and communications including SCADA, switches, and I/O devices, and auxiliary systems such as HMI, UPS, and fire detection. Tesla equipment will be commissioned by the OEM.
What you’ll bring
You will ideally bring:
- Previous site-based BESS commissioning experience
- Strong understanding of OEM installation and commissioning manuals
- Experience communicating technically with OEMs and vendors
- Knowledge of HV electrical infrastructure, protection, metering, SCADA and controls
- Experience managing commissioning schedules, test plans, turnover packs and handover documentation
- Strong attention to detail, safety, quality and end-product performance
- Ability to influence contractors, vendors and internal stakeholders under pressure
Why this role matters
Battery storage is becoming a critical part of New Zealand’s electricity system, strengthening energy resilience and providing a more flexible, reliable and increasingly self-sufficient energy system. Glenbrook Ohurua Battery 2 will sit alongside Contact’s first battery. Together, the batteries will provide up to 300MW of capacity, enough to power the equivalent of 132,000 homes for up to two hours during peak demand.
This is a chance to take a lead commissioning role on a project that will be highly visible in the New Zealand energy market.
Engagement options
Contact is open to either:
- Fixed-term employment for 21-24 months
- Contractor engagement via Phillip Riley, seconded to Contact Energy, on an hourly or daily rate
How to apply
This is an exclusive recruitment partnership between Contact Energy and Phillip Riley.
To apply, submit your CV via SEEK, LinkedIn or the Phillip Riley website.
For a confidential discussion, contact Daniel Gallen at Phillip Riley.
Construction & Engineering > Construction & Engineering > Construction Management