Operations Manager

First Nations Jobs; Gympie Regional, Cairns Regional; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of Trade Vehicle

EAP program

Health insurance discounts

Perks@Downer discounts

Work-life balance

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead delivery of surfacing works under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program in Queensland. Based in the Queensland Senior Leadership Team, you will drive operational performance, resource planning, client engagement and strategic delivery across a growing program portfolio.

You will manage safety, quality and environmental compliance while mentoring large, geographically dispersed teams and building strong client and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in an Operations Manager or similar leadership role.
• Experience in roads/transport infrastructure or surfacing operations preferred.
• Strong commercial and financial management capability.
• Experience leading large operational teams across dispersed projects.
• Proven ability to build strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience delivering project delivery, resource planning and performance.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proactive approach to business improvement and growth opportunities.
• Solid understanding of safety, quality, environmental and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Leading operational delivery across multiple infrastructure projects and maintenance activities.
• Mobilisation and optimisation of plant, people, subcontractors and key resources.
• Managing financial performance, budgets, forecasting and cost control.
• Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, contractors and stakeholders.
• Developing and leading high-performing operational teams.
• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Supporting growth strategies and securing future work opportunities.
• Driving a strong Health & Safety culture and ensuring compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Roads infrastructure

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Safety compliance

Business improvement

Job description

Downer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to play a pivotal role in the delivery of surfacing works across the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), a landmark infrastructure initiative that will deliver critical safety upgrades along the Bruce Highway corridor from Gympie to Cairns through to 2030.
As part of the Queensland Senior Leadership Team, this highly influential role will lead operational performance, resource planning, client engagement, and strategic project delivery across a growing portfolio of works associated with the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading operational delivery across multiple infrastructure projects and maintenance activities.
• Supporting the mobilisation and optimisation of plant, people, subcontractors, and key resources.
• Managing financial performance, budgets, forecasting, and cost control initiatives.
• Identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities across operations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, contractors, and industry stakeholders.
• Developing, mentoring, and leading high-performing operational teams.
• Ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget.
• Supporting business growth strategies and helping secure future work opportunities.
• Driving a strong Health & Safety culture and ensuring compliance with all safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

About You

• Demonstrated success in an Operations Manager, Senior Project Manager, Area Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Experience within roads, transport infrastructure, asphalt, pavement construction, stabilisation, or surfacing operations preferred.
• Strong commercial and financial management capability.
• Experience leading large operational teams across geographically dispersed projects.
• Proven ability to build strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience managing project delivery, resource planning, and operational performance.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to business improvement and growth opportunities.
• Sound understanding of safety, quality, environmental, and compliance frameworks.

Downer is a company that believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work-life balance, and above benchmark services. We also offer a range of benefits including:

• Tool of Trade Vehicle.
• Be part of a culture that values safety, integrity and excellence in everything we do.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future success of the business.
• A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP, Beyond Blue and health insurance discounts.
• Access to Perks@Downer, which offers discounts and savings on various products, including retail items, travel deals, and entertainment options.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

• Online profile & CV (searchable by clients)

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