About Us

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.

About the Team

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.

Job Description

At Downer, the safety of our people, contractors, and communities is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining a culture of Zero Harm in everything we do, guided by our comprehensive health, environmental, and safety risk management processes.

We are seeking a dedicated Health and Safety professional to join our team as Zero Harm Manager – Operations where you’ll play a pivotal part in shaping and sustaining our Zero Harm culture across the organisation, ensuring operational excellence and safety standards are met and exceeded.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity 

As ZH Manager – Operations, you will support the General Manager and NZ Head of Zero Harm in leading the New Zealand based Zero Harm Advisory Hub. This role will drive Zero Harm operational activities, projects, and initiatives to ensure the planning, delivery and monitoring of safe work in the field.

You’ll oversee the recruitment and deployment of H&S resources to provide on-the-ground expertise and support to operational leaders. This includes frontline risk management and work planning, incident and injury management, inspection and monitoring, pre-starts, and local training and advice. The role involves centralising and standardising processes to ensure our H&S team are supported and developed, and that they are working on projects and activities based on risk and priority across a variety of operational settings.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

As a passionate health and safety leader, you will hold a tertiary qualification in Health & Safety. This will be supported by at least 10 years’ HSE experience in a high-risk industry, preferably construction, infrastructure or heavy transport. You’ll have the ability to inspire and guide a team, ensuring alignment with Zero Harm objectives and business goals. We’d also value:

• Experience in conducting audits and preparing corrective actions and reports – Skilled in identifying gaps and implementing improvements through audits and detailed reports.
• Project or change management experience and qualifications in order to deploy resources and initiatives in a structured and transparent manner.
• High-level problem-solving skills – Able to navigate complex issues professionally and effectively resolve challenges.
• Ability to make difficult decisions and positively influence change – Comfortable making tough calls while driving positive outcomes and improvements.
• Strong focus on building internal and external stakeholder relationships – Expertise in developing and maintaining relationships across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a high-performing team – Works effectively under broad direction, demonstrates initiative, and keeps peers informed through plans, feedback, and reporting.
• Collaborative approach to continuous improvement – Considers input from others to inform the development of effective Zero Harm strategies and actions.
• Knowledge of statutory provisions across relevant jurisdictions – Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance in health, safety, and environment.

This full-time position requires flexibility, as regional travel, and occasional night shifts to meet operational demands and team engagement. As a self-starting, collaborative professional, you’ll manage your time to suit personal and operational goals. With flexibility, we also recognise that you may need time for whānau.

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 base salary + company vehicle
• You will receive ongoing mentoring, training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme for individuals and family
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes 
• Discounts for Samsung, Repco, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

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 718760.

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.