
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:
Have a look at our other great benefits here!
Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Regional Operational Capability Manager to lead the development and enhancement of operational capability across the South Region. In this role, you will collaborate with operational leaders to identify areas for improvement and excellence, while ensuring consistent performance standards. You will also be responsible for mentoring and training frontline leaders and operational managers, while providing crucial support to construction and maintenance teams to exceed Downer’s quality and productivity benchmarks.
Wellington is the preferred location; however, we are open to candidates based in Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu-Whanganui.
Regular travel across the South Region is required.
Key responsibilities:
Develop consistent industry best practices, champion infield quality, and audit completed works to ensure they meet high standards
Assist bid teams in productivity estimates and support contract managers in civil construction capability development
Provide guidance to frontline leaders and delivery managers, helping them navigate commercial challenges and managing Downer process
Coach and develop operational staff, support national and regional training initiatives, and enhance technical and leadership skills
Champion safety and environmental risk management, conducting regular audits and safety engagements
Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the operational capabilities of the South Region. You will ideally hold the following experience and qualifications:
Qualification in Civil Engineering or significant experience within a similar industry
Proven experience in operational contract management, particularly in Roading/Pavement Maintenance
Strong understanding of financial management, including revenue, margin expectations, and cost control.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams across multiple contracts and project-based activities
Experience in mentoring and coaching teams, with a focus on continuous improvement
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our PeopleSitehere!
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 730420
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.