Senior Project Manager

We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join our Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice team and play a key role in our high-performance Project team. Reporting to National Team Lead, you'll help deliver high-quality outcomes that support our essential services.

Te Kōwhiringa | The Opportunity 

Downer holds a long-term Asset Management and Facilities Management contract with the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice that proactively manages and delivers to the national portfolio of facilities including 15 prisons, 98 courts and 141 community correctional sites. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our high-performance project team who are focused on delivering outstanding project outcomes based in Waikato or Auckland.

What You’ll Do 

This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of facilities upgrade and new asset installation projects across the Corrections and Justice portfolio, ensuring alignment with client and contractual requirements. 
• Plan, coordinate, and manage projects to ensure they are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to required quality standards. 
• Act as the central point of coordination between clients, contractors, site teams, and internal subject matter experts to ensure effective communication and delivery outcomes. 
• Oversee key project control activities, including project table reads, pre-start meetings, and review and acceptance of contractor plans and delivery documentation. 
• Monitor project progress, manage risks and variations, and provide accurate, timely reporting on cost, schedule, and performance to stakeholders. 
• Ensure all upgrade and installation works (electrical, mechanical, building, and specialist systems) are delivered in compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality requirements. 
• Drive a solution-focused approach to project challenges, maintaining transparency, governance, and alignment with operational expectations throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Manage project close-out processes, ensuring complete documentation and a structured handover to Operations to support ongoing maintenance and asset lifecycle management. 

This is a fantastic role that will suit someone who is outcome-focused, enjoys a challenge, and is able to take initiative whilst building great relationships with our team and client.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

• Proven experience in facilities management, asset maintenance, or delivery of complex upgrade works within operational environments
• Relevant tertiary qualification in construction, building, facilities management, engineering, or a related discipline is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, service activities, or project tasks simultaneously—ideally within a regulated or high-compliance setting.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage documentation accurately and efficiently.
• Experience reviewing contractor methodologies, plans, and documentation, with a solid understanding of safe work practices and site delivery requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working in secure, complex, or highly regulated environments (e.g. justice, healthcare, defence, or similar sectors) is an advantage
• Familiarity with work management systems and contract-based service delivery models, including tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring is an advantage

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation 

At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why