Contract Manager – Southland/Invercargill

About the role

Downer’s Energy & Utilities division is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead the delivery of water‑related contracts, projects and joint ventures in Southland. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will ensure the business meets its commitments to customers while driving growth and profitability.

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate governance forums, reporting, forecasting and planning to secure resources and capability.
• Develop and implement strategies to manage financial and commercial risk.
• Provide people leadership, including talent management, inclusion and retention.
• Prepare contract variations and oversee retention of existing contracts.
• Drive profitability, cost management and margin improvement.
• Implement commercial risk and issue management processes.
• Maintain strategic internal and external relationships with a focus on value‑added partnerships.

Required profile

• Proven experience setting and realising operational budgets in infrastructure engineering, construction or maintenance.
• Deep knowledge of organisational, management and leadership practices.
• Ability to manage a portfolio of contracts/projects of varying size and complexity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with experience reporting to senior decision‑makers.
• Track record of leading capital projects and service contracts using both self‑perform and subcontractor models.
• Experience mobilising large contracts and workforces on greenfield or brownfield sites.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration with a leading ASX‑listed company.
• Clear career pathways across the utilities business.
• Health and wellness benefits, including EAP and mental‑health support.
• Retail discounts with major partners.