Job Description

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Water Contract Manager to join our Energy & Utilities Water business based in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.

Reporting to the Water Manager – Northern Region, you will lead the successful delivery of the Tauranga City Council (TCC) City Waters Contract and Western Bay of Plenty Water Contract, ensuring outstanding safety, operational, commercial and customer outcomes.

As the key client interface for TCC and Western BOP, you will be responsible for managing contract performance, driving business growth, leading high-performing teams and ensuring delivery excellence across all aspects of the water operation. This is a pivotal leadership role that combines operational management, commercial accountability, client engagement and strategic business development.

You will join a collaborative and supportive national water team, working alongside industry experts to deliver critical water infrastructure and services that support communities throughout the Bay of Plenty and wider Northern Region.

What You'll Do

• Lead the delivery of the Tauranga City Council and Western BOP water contracts, ensuring performance targets, customer expectations and contractual obligations are achieved.

• Manage commercial outcomes including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, claims, variations, reporting and financial performance.

• Provide leadership and direction to supervisors, operational teams and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, subcontractors, suppliers and internal business units.

• Drive operational excellence by identifying opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, service delivery and contract performance.

• Manage contract risk, compliance and governance requirements, ensuring all contractual, quality and operational obligations are met.

• Support tender submissions, bid management and business development opportunities aligned with the regional water growth strategy.

• Lead resource planning and allocation of people, plant and equipment to maximise utilisation and operational effectiveness.

• Collaborate with regional and national water teams to develop renewal programmes, benchmark performance and deliver strategic business objectives.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead critical water infrastructure and maintenance contracts servicing communitiesacross the Bay of Plenty.

• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of water operations, renewals and capital works projects.

• Career development opportunities within a leading trans-Tasman infrastructure and services business.

• Access to leadership development programs, technical training and professional growth opportunities.

• A collaborative and supportive culture that values safety, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Access to employee benefits through Perks@Downer, including retail, travel, health and wellbeing discounts.

• Industry-leading internal mobility and succession pathways across Downer's national and international operations.

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on essential community infrastructure and long-term service delivery outcomes.

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated experience in contract, operational or project management within the water, utilities, civil infrastructure or related sectors.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, cost control, claims and contract performance.

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing operational teams in a service delivery environment.

• Sound understanding of contract administration, risk management and client relationship management.

• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers and multiple stakeholder groups.

• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted client relationships.

• A proactive and solutions-focused leadership style with a commitment to continuous improvement.

• Understanding of health, safety, quality and environmental management systems and a demonstrated commitment to Zero Harm principles.

• Experience contributing to tendering, estimating, business development or growth initiatives will be highly regarded.

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

How to Apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!

Megan Duncan | Talent Acquisition Business Partner

Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement.