Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here
Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:
Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Contract Engineer & Area Lead to play a key role in the delivery of construction and maintenance works in Timaru. This is a hands on, site-based role where you’ll balance engineering oversight with local leadership – ensuring works are delivered safely, to specification, on time and on budget, while acting as Downer’s local representative.
As the Contract Engineer & Area Lead, you’ll be responsible for on‑site monitoring of construction activities, supporting crews and supervisors, managing quality and safety outcomes, and keeping a close eye on costs and productivity. You’ll also take ownership of the Timaru Depot and act as the local leader when the Canterbury Contracts Manager isn’t present.
You’ll be someone who’s comfortable making decisions, building relationships, and stepping in when needed to keep things running smoothly.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide on‑site leadership and oversight to ensure works are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with contractual and specification requirements
Monitor quality, health & safety and environmental compliance, addressing issues promptly and escalating risks as required
Coordinate inspections, approvals and handover documentation in collaboration with engineers and project stakeholders
Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders
Provide direction and guidance to supervisors and crews, supporting capability development and consistent performance standards
Track costs, productivity and progress, identifying variations or budget risks and advising the Contract Manager early
Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
You’re a practical, confident engineer who enjoys being on site and taking ownership. You balance technical oversight with strong communication and leadership, and you’re comfortable being the go‑to person locally.
You’ll ideally bring:
A tertiary qualification (or equivalent experience) in engineering or business management
2 + years’ experience in construction or civil environment
Strong understanding of quality, safety, and financial controls
Confidence working with crews, clients and senior stakeholders
Proactive mindset and willingness to step up when required
Proven experience managing project delivery, operational planning and sequencing of works
Demonstrated experience leading supervisors and frontline teams in a construction or maintenance environment
Knowledge of the South Canterbury region and local stakeholder environment is highly desirable
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 731883
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.
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.
Enabling communities to thrive.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 150 years. Solving problems. Making the extraordinary run smoothly every day. We’re keeping the lights on and the water flowing. Running the hospitals that take care of us. Delivering the transport that takes us from A to B. Maintaining communication networks that keep people connected. Helping our Government and Defence customers keep them protected. Delivering train fleets. Building bridges, roads and streets. Now we’re building momentum too. Moving forward even faster.
Across Australia and New Zealand, we’re transforming the way we work. Unlocking our potential to lead by example. Using our passion and expertise to deliver complex projects and turn fresh ideas into solutions that make society a better place. Creating opportunities for our people, growth and value for our shareholders, and world-class solutions for our customers. Imagining. Innovating. Engineering. Enabling.
