Operations Manager

Downer; Sunshine Coast Regional; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tool of Trade Vehicle

Safety culture and excellence

Health insurance discounts

EAP & wellbeing initiatives

Perks@Downer discounts

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead surfacing works under the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP) from Gympie to Cairns. This role sits on the Queensland Senior Leadership Team and drives operational performance, resource planning, client engagement and project delivery across a growing portfolio.

You will mentor teams, optimise plant and subcontractors, manage budgets and safety performance, and forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to win

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in operations management roles within roads, transport or surfacing projects.
• Strong commercial and financial management capabilities.
• Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Track record building client and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to plan resources, schedules and budgets across multiple projects.
• Commitment to safety, quality and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational delivery across multiple infrastructure projects and maintenance activities.
• Support mobilisation and optimisation of plant, people, subcontractors and key resources.
• Manage financial performance, budgets, forecasting and cost control initiatives.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in operations.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors and stakeholders.
• Develop, mentor and lead high-performing operational teams.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
• Support business growth strategies and win future work opportunities.
• Drive strong Health & Safety culture and ensure compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards.

Skills

Operations Management

Leadership

Senior PM

Roads & Surfacing

Resource Planning

Client Relationships

Cost Control

Safety & Compliance

Negotiation

Job description

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.

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.