Senior Project Manager

Deliver high-impact facilities projects that support safer, smarter environments.

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join our Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice team and play a key role in our high performance Project team. Reporting to National Team Lead, you'll help deliver high-quality outcomes that support our essential services.

Te Kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Downer holds a long-term Asset Management and Facilities Management contract with the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice that proactively manages and delivers to the national portfolio of facilities including 15 prisons, 98 courts and 141 community correctional sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our high-performance Project team who are focused on delivering outstanding project outcomes. Based in Wellington, your main responsibilities will be;

What You'll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:

• Lead project delivery to meet time, budget, and gross margin targets through efficient forecasting, cost control, and claim/report generation.
• Provide technical advice, support construction planning, and enhance on-site team capability, especially within Corrections and Justice contracts.
• Coordinate and peer-review (or undertake) engineering, design, scoping, costing, and quoting of project works.
• Implement and monitor Quality Plans, manage risks and events, and uphold Zero Harm standards.
• Work cross-functionally to support delivery teams and provide/co-ordinate technical training.
• Promote positive customer interactions, uphold company values, and drive continuous improvement and business growth.

This is a fantastic role that will suit someone who is outcome-focused, enjoys a challenge, and is able to take initiative whilst building great relationships with our team and client.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

• Tertiary qualification in Building or allied industries with 5+ years of project management experience in construction or allied industries.
  
• Strong understanding of construction management, building codes, contracts, and financial principles.
  
• Proven ability in project scoping, costing, and successful end-to-end delivery.
  
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
  
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, time management, and the ability to perform under pressure.
  
• Strong problem-solving, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
  
• Positive, proactive, and outcome-driven with a "can do" approach and eagerness to challenge the status quo.

More than anything, you'll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

We're proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:

• Training and development to support and diversify your career.
  
• With 30% of vacancies filled internally you'll find real opportunities to advance your career.
  
• Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
  
• Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.
  
• A company car is provided as part of this role.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.

We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.

We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we're here to help you put your best foot forward.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
Click "APPLY" and please include your CV and copies of relevant licenses/qualification. The reference number for this role is 730807.

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.