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
Social Infrastructure & Citizen Services delivers the critical thinking, building, maintenance and sustainment behind Australia and New Zealand’s essential public assets, facilities and community services. The communities we serve are at the heart of our operations. Be it through facilities management of critical public assets, precinct upgrades, new energy solutions or professional and technical advisory. We run places of healthcare and education, custodial facilities, we manage customer data centres and critical systems, we take asset management risk over 25 years through our portfolio of Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts, and we are a trusted advisor and partner to our New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces.

Job Description
Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity

Downer holds a long-term Asset Management & Facilities Management contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. The contract involves the proactive management and delivery of facilities maintenance services, operations services, asset management and minor projects for all their property portfolio in the Pacific across ten jurisdictions.

The Contract Manager is a key senior leadership role accountable for driving business performance and leading the Downer MFAT delivery team. This position entails overseeing all facets of operational performance, with a focus on achieving KPIs, managing financial outcomes, ensuring robust governance, and handling both internal and external reporting. Additionally, the Contract Manager will spearhead the implementation and continuous optimisation of processes, foster sustainable growth, and work towards enhancing overall.

The Contract Manager will support the National Manager – Property to provide the necessary direction and leadership in order to achieve the following outcomes:

• Drive business growth and development aligned with overall strategy.
• Inspire and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative operation.
• Engage and influence external stakeholders, ensuring contract requirements are met while maintaining security, safety, and quality.
• Manage contract deliverables effectively, ensuring KPIs are met and compliance with all aspects, including security.
• Achieve target gross margin through efficient management, cost reduction, and performance improvement.
• Proactively manage contract risks and implement initiatives to enhance cost-efficiency, performance, and productivity.

This role can be based in Auckland or Wellington and may require travel to the MFAT locations in the Pacific.

Nga Pūkenga Motuhake | Important Skills

• Holds a leadership or management-related qualification.
• 5+ years’ experience in Construction, Facilities Management, or Asset Management.
• 3+ years’ experience in Contract Management with strong operational, commercial, and financial acumen.
• 3+ years in senior leadership, with proven ability to manage large multi-trade service delivery teams.
• Excellent communication skills suited for high-profile stakeholders.
• High-level influencing skills, with expertise in building strong stakeholder relationships in diverse environments.
• Proven ability to drive operational activities, ensuring quality, on-time completion, and minimal rework.
• Technical experience with a focus on training and developing trade capabilities.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and a proactive, results-driven mindset.
• Demonstrated thought leadership and a solutions-focused, “can do” attitude.
• Commitment to HSE initiatives with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

You will also be required to complete a National Security Clearance and Ministry of Justice Clearance as part of the requirement for this role.

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 you the opportunity to join our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of a great team working in a collaborative environment. We also offer:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Great promotion and career development opportunities.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, head to www.downercareers.co.nz and enter reference number 717362 to apply.

Downer NZ is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. Our workplaces are drug and alcohol free - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a Pre-Employment drug test and medical.

Due to the fast-paced nature of Downer, our vacancy close dates may be subject to change, so don't delay and make sure you apply as soon as possible.