Commissioning Permit to Work Manager

Bouygues Construction Australia

About the Role 

We are seeking a highly capable Commissioning Permit to Work Manager to lead the development, implementation, and governance of the Permit to Work (PTW) system during critical commissioning and energisation phases. This role is central to ensuring all high-risk works are safely planned, controlled, and executed in accordance with project procedures and compliance requirements.

As the PTW subject matter expert, you will drive best practice across permit management, isolation controls, and work authorisation processes while fostering a strong Zero Harm culture across the project.

Key Responsibilties 

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Permit to Work framework across commissioning activities.
• Own and manage the end-to-end PTW lifecycle, ensuring permits and isolations are reviewed, approved, issued, monitored, and closed out effectively.
• Oversee all isolation, lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), energisation, and authority-to-work processes during commissioning.
• Manage and optimise the electronic PTW system, ensuring accurate registers, reporting dashboards, and documentation control.
• Lead and mentor Permit Control Officers and PTW personnel, driving capability, accountability, and high performance.
• Coordinate closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, and subcontractor teams to safely manage concurrent high-risk works.
• Ensure all authorised permit holders and PTW personnel are trained, assessed, and competent in their assigned responsibilities.
• Conduct audits, inspections, and compliance reviews to ensure adherence to PTW procedures and safety requirements.
• Investigate permit breaches, isolation failures, or safety incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Provide expert technical guidance on high-risk activities including electrical energisation, live testing, confined space entry, and critical isolations.
• Support commissioning readiness reviews and milestone planning to ensure PTW processes align with project delivery and system handover requirements.
• Produce regular performance reports for project leadership, highlighting compliance, trends, key risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and drive continuous improvement in PTW systems and operational controls.

Qualifications & Experience 

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in the electrical discipline, with proven experience managing Permit to Work systems across major construction, commissioning, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience on major road tunnel, rail, or other complex infrastructure projects, with exposure to commissioning and energisation activities highly regarded.
• Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Trade Qualification in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Trade, or a related discipline.
• Current Low Voltage and High Voltage electrical qualifications / authorisations (preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of WHS legislation, isolation management, Lock-Out Tag-Out, risk assessments, and control of work systems.
• Proven leadership experience managing PTW teams or operational personnel, with the ability to mentor, influence, and drive accountability across diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility across engineering, construction, commissioning, and contractor teams.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capability, with exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to safety and continuous improvement.