Leading the charge

Michael Sinclair’s career with Monadelphous has been anything but ordinary. Six years ago, he kicked things off as a Quantity Surveyor in Mongolia – a beginning he still looks back on with a smile. From there, he sought roles that would continue challenging him. 

That mindset has taken him across two projects in Mongolia, onto Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, through multiple packages in the Pilbara, and most recently to Barrow Island. Each location added another chapter before he stepped into his current role leading the North Star Junction BESS project. 

“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunities to experience multiple facets of the business,” Michael said.  

“I’ve moved through commercial, contracts, quality, project controls, and now, project management. Every role has taught me something different.” 

What keeps him energised is the strategic side of the job.  

“I enjoy being a part of a strategically thinking team that position both the project and Monadelphous for future opportunities,” he said.  

But even more than the strategy, Michael said that it’s the people who drive him.  

“We have business unit support and on-site teams working together. It has been great watching the team dynamic develop from project execution,” he said. 

Watching a team deliver complex technical work safely and successfully is something he never takes for granted.  

“Meeting major milestones and knowing it was achieved through coordinated effort – that’s something I value. When a large team comes together to deliver something complex, the accomplishment belongs to everyone, and it’s something we can all be proud of.” 

Michael’s life outside work has been just as varied. He grew up in Kakadu before moving through Darwin, Jabiru, Melbourne, Montreal, and Labrador City in Newfoundland. Boarding school in Melbourne shaped his teenage years, and by 18 he was already in the FIFO mining industry, where he quickly developed a passion for commissioning and the technical processes behind mining and oil and gas. 

Today, he’s a husband and dad of two, happiest when he’s camping, disappearing into the bush, or diving around the Sunshine Coast. Anything on or under the water is his way of switching off, and with a move to the Perth Hills on the horizon, the family is ready for their next adventure. 

Ask him about his favourite memory at Monadelphous and he doesn’t hesitate.  

“The culture in Mongolia was unforgettable – prestart massages and Mongolian throat singing. But the real standout was an RDO on a tiny island near Lihir. We got the chief’s permission to camp overnight, then went night‑diving with the island owners trying to catch our dinner. It was a unique experience I’ll always cherish.” 

Now leading the BESS project, Michael’s days revolve around supporting his team and strengthening relationships.  

“My role is heavily relationship‑driven,” he said.  

“Support from the client, multiple subcontractors and our Heavy Lift and M&IS teams in Port Hedland has been invaluable.” 

With a small team and tight deadlines, coordination is everything. Meeting schedule expectations means constant alignment and quick decision‑making. But what excites Michael the most is the direction the project represents.  

“Being part of one of the first renewables projects for the E&I business unit is something special,” he said.  

“The client has been incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in our success.”  

And with a potential pipeline of seven years of renewable energy work ahead, he sees this as just the beginning. 

The challenges are real – from managing specialised subcontractors to working in the extreme heat of Marble Bar. But the project is also a clear signal of where Monadelphous is heading.  

“This BESS will power a Fortescue mine site for five hours a day and run the camp entirely,” Michael said.  

“It shows we can compete in this market, and that we’re serious about growing in green energy.” 

Michael credits the project’s success to strong relationships across the business.  

“Fortescue’s feedback is exemplary with the project and team receiving top marks on the latest audit review, which was great to pass on to the team,” he said.  

“Our M&IS colleagues helped secure subcontractors and equipment at short notice, and Heavy Lift have taken on extra scope whenever needed. It really shows the breadth of capability within Monadelphous.” 

Looking ahead, Michael said he sees BESS projects becoming a major part of the industry.  

“As more companies see how effective BESS is, especially with solar, this space will grow fast. The momentum is only just beginning.” 

When asked why he recommends the industry, his answer is simple.  

“Monadelphous has supported me through starting a family and having the time to raise my children and even allowed continuous work through Covid. The opportunities are huge, the work is diverse, and the people feel like family. If you want stability, variety, and the chance to be part of meaningful projects, this is the place to be.”