Alison Cesaro
Planning and Performance Manager
Career snapshot
I've been with Zinfra for two years now and I'm based at the Zinfra/Jemena Broadmeadows and Tullamarine depots. This is my first role at Zinfra.
In past career roles, I've worked in the areas of accounting, IT, consulting and training with a focus on project, program and portfolio management. In my current role as Planning and Performance Manager I look after the planning and performance of the Jemena Electricity Services Agreement (JESA) which I am passionate about.
Day-to-day this involves reporting and tracking of performance against our contract obligations, such as KPIs, and Zinfra business budgets and operational targets. I also support delivery of the annual works program which involves preparing the Annual Delivery Plan and planning the short and longer term workforce resources to deliver our projects and maintenance activities.
Working at Zinfra
My favourite part of working at Zinfra is the people.
Everyone is approachable and it's a positive environment to work in. It's definitely one of the best places I've worked at in terms of the work / life balance. If I had something happen at home tomorrow and I couldn't show up, I know my leaders and colleagues would support me to put my family first. And as a manager, I offer that to my team too.
What's more, the values of the people running our business align with mine. We work hard as a cohesive team, we know what our goal is and what we have to do to achieve it.
We're all on the same page. This is challenging industry and we want to ensure that Zinfra, and all our clients, are successful.
I like the hands-on leadership approach here. When I had a question about the vision of the organisation, I was able to put it to senior leadership and in response to my query our Managing Director came to our site and talked the team through it.
I respond well to that level of engagement, including having access to leaders and a clear understanding of our business vision and strategy.
Diversity and inclusion
We are on a journey and I think there is more to be done in this space. Working in the field and at leadership level, there is less diversity than in other areas of the business.
I want to ensure that, in particular, the field teams and women working across our business are heard. I'm working to step up in this space and I feel safe to speak up and provide that diverse perspective. I see the intent being reflected in the effort happening across Zinfra and there is an openness to the path we are on. I feel positive about where we're going.
Career opportunities
There are so many different roles available at Zinfra, and the organisation is willing to let you try different things. In fact, they actively encourage it – the world is your oyster here. It's true career diversity without ever changing companies.
There is an emphasis on education and learning support which is a real positive. We have a growing graduate, apprentice and trainee program - as a young person, you work with experienced mentors, and those who are early in their careers have the opportunity to introduce new initiatives and new technologies in their work, which is really welcomed by those who've worked here for many years.
I'd encourage anyone considering a role with Zinfra to join – if you're willing to do the work, the business will really get behind you. We've got enough work for the next 10 years plus it's only going to get bigger, and we need good, committed people.
If you want job security, then this is definitely the place to be!
