Lead Downer's NZ Water portfolio, driving operational excellence, safety, growth and strong client outcomes across Aotearoa.

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.

Te kōwhiringa | The opportunity

Join Downer as the Regional Manager - NZ Water and lead the performance, growth and delivery of a diverse portfolio of Water construction projects and Operations and Maintenance contracts across Aotearoa. Working alongside our customers, Contract Managers and operational teams, you'll help deliver safe, sustainable and commercially successful outcomes that support communities every day.

Reporting to the General Manager - Water, you'll play a key role in strengthening operational performance, developing high-performing teams and supporting the continued growth of our Water business.

Ngā pūkenga matua | Important Skills

You're an experienced leader who knows how to bring people together, build strong customer relationships and deliver results in complex operational environments.

You may have gained your experience in water, utilities, construction, energy, transport or another infrastructure sector. What matters most is your ability to lead teams, drive performance and create positive outcomes for customers and communities.

You'll bring:

  • Tertiary qualifications in Business, Engineering, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline
  • Experience leading large operational teams, portfolios or contracts within infrastructure, utilities, construction or maintenance environments.
  • Strong commercial judgement and a track record of delivering sustainable business outcomes.
  • The ability to build trusted relationships with customers, stakeholders and delivery teams.
  • Experience creating high-performing, safety-focused teams and cultures.
  • Clear communication skills and the confidence to influence decisions, lead through change and bring people on the journey.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making capability.



Water industry experience is highly regarded. If your experience comes from a related infrastructure sector and you can see yourself succeeding in this role, we'd encourage you to apply.

Ngā Painga o te Mahi ki Downer | Benefits of working with Downer

  • Competitive remuneration with a significant ASX-listed company
  • Structured career paths with the opportunity to work in different areas of the Utilities business, supported by a robust Commercial Operating Model
  • A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP Beyond Blue
  • Retail discounts with major retailers, Dell, Good Guys, Samsung, Specsavers & ANZ
  • We are a Tier 1 ASX listed company with in-house capabilities that far exceed traditional contractor environments

Te wāhi mahi | Location

This role is ideally based in Tauranga, one of New Zealand's fastest-growing regions. Wellington or Nelson may also be considered for the right candidate.

Why Tauranga?

Imagine finishing work just minutes from beautiful beaches, harbour activities, walking and cycling trails, and everything the Bay of Plenty lifestyle has to offer.

Combining career opportunity with an outstanding lifestyle, Tauranga is a place where you can grow your career while enjoying more of what matters outside of work.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Downer's Energy & Utilities business delivers essential services that connect communities to critical infrastructure across New Zealand and Australia.

From water and power to telecommunications and industrial networks, our people help keep communities running today while building for tomorrow.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and cultures.

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply

Ready to lead a business that delivers essential services, supports communities and creates lasting impact?

We'd love to hear from you.

Help us deliver infrastructure that matters and create stronger, more resilient communities for the future.

Please click Apply and follow the prompts to submit your CV.

Successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a medical, drug and alcohol test and Ministry of Justice check.

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Company profile

Company Logo for Downer
Engineering & Project Management ServicesMore than 10,000 employees

Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Driven by our purpose to enable communities to thrive, we deliver essential infrastructure services that improve the lives of millions of people every day and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Downer is one of Australia and New Zealand's largest employers, with 31,000 people who are united by a high-performance culture, called ‘The Downer Difference’. Our teams operate in sectors that are closely connected to population growth, urbanisation, national security, and decarbonisation – including roads, rail, ports and airports, power, gas, water, telecommunications, health, education and defence.

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