Job Description

Drive the future of intelligent maintenance planning.

As the Planning Manager, you will lead the development of structured, prioritised maintenance programs that ensure safe, efficient and high‑quality delivery across one of Victoria’s most diverse and expansive road networks. This role blends leadership, technical planning expertise and strong operational insight to deliver meaningful, measurable improvements in how maintenance work is identified, planned and executed.

Working as a key member of the VRMC Hume leadership team, you’ll oversee planning functions, guide the Planning Engineer, Senior Inspector and ETS Coordinator, and maintain rolling programs that are aligned with asset condition, customer needs and operational constraints. You’ll drive a culture of informed decision-making, continuous improvement and Zero Harm - ensuring the right resources, approvals and data are in place before work hits the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the Annual Maintenance Program and associated rolling/fortnightly/monthly schedules.
• Provide prioritised, insight‑driven direction using asset condition data, inspections and defect trends.
• Oversee use of the Works Management Information System (Asset Vision) to ensure accurate planning and reporting.
• Lead and guide the Planning Engineer, Senior Inspector and ETS Coordinator across planning functions.
• Maintain a 4-8 week lookahead program, ensuring resources across crews and delivery teams are fully coordinated.
• Build strong relationships with the contract management team and client
• Produce and submit all required reporting, budget approvals and program documentation accurately and on time.
• Engage actively in safety practices, field observations, toolbox talks and Zero Harm initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree in Engineering, Project/Construction Management, Planning, IT or related field.
• 10+ years’ experience developing long‑term, dynamic planning or works programs, ideally in road maintenance.
• Leadership experience overseeing planning teams or large multi‑disciplinary groups.
• Strong capability in prioritisation, defect‑based planning and resource forecasting.
• Proficiency with asset/works management or scheduling platforms
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships.
• Strong analytical, organisational and decision‑making abilities with a systems‑thinking mindset.
• A commitment to safety, customer outcomes and continuous improvement.

Why Downer?

Downer believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work‑life balance and above‑benchmark services. You’ll also enjoy:

• Leadership development opportunities, including Thrive and Own Career.
• A major role in improving network outcomes across a region spanning alpine ranges to the Murray River.
• A supportive, forward‑thinking team that values collaboration and innovation.
• A culture grounded in safety, integrity and excellence.

For more information, please contact:
Alicia Jacobson – Talent and Sourcing Business Partner
E: Alicia.Jacobson@downergroup.com

Downer Group is an employer that embraces the value of diverse experiences, backgrounds and cultures. We welcome applications from everyone.

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.