Construction Operations Manager Otago

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:

• Competitive salary package + Company vehicle 

• Relocation Costs Available

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes 
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader’s programme for top performers

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity 

We are looking for an experience Construction Operations Manager to take a leading role in driving the success of our Dunedin operations. This role is not simply about managing day-to-day delivery it’s about shaping the future.

You’ll be responsible for building capability, setting direction, and driving excellence across our projects. From growing a high-performing team to forging strong local relationships, you’ll have the autonomy to influence how the business evolves. For someone with vision and energy, this is a genuine chance to leave your mark in a region full of potential.

In the early stages, you’ll be closely involved in project delivery while establishing the right structure and processes. Over time, you’ll shift to a more strategic role guiding the business, mentoring leaders, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive best-practice delivery of physical works across all construction activities 
• Align operational delivery with long-term strategic objectives, helping shape our future business 
• Lead a multidisciplinary team including Contract Managers, Engineers, Supervisors and frontline teams. Mentor, coach and develop capability
• Oversee tendering, planning, estimating, and execution of complex civil construction projects 
• Maintain and strengthen key relationships with local authorities, NZTA, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders. 
• Champion a culture of Zero Harm and ensure all work complies with company and industry safety, quality, and environmental standards 

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

We’re after a leader who thrives on building something new and has the resilience to see it through. You’ll bring a mix of strategic thinking and hands-on capability, combined with strong commercial awareness.

Ideally, You’Ll Have:

• Proven senior leadership experience in civil construction, Infrastructure, Roading 
• Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) 
• Existing knowledge of the local construction market and industry contracts to fast-track growth and partnership opportunities 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale contracts from tender to delivery 
• Strong commercial acumen with a focus on cost control, programme management, and contract margins
• Experience working within a Tier 1 civil contractor or similar large-scale environment 
• Skilled in building high-performing, engaged teams and leading cross-functional project teams 
• 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 724995

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.