Regional Operations Capability Manager

Downer; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Free health care benefits

Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym

Employee referral bonus

Leadership and development programs

Job summary

Downer in New Zealand seeks an experienced Regional Operational Capability Manager to lead development and enhancement of operational capability across the South Region. The role can be based in Christchurch or Dunedin, with regular travel across the South Region, collaborating with operational leaders to drive performance and consistency in standards.

You will mentor frontline leaders and delivery managers, support construction and maintenance teams to exceed quality and productivity

Qualifications

• Civil Engineering qualification or significant experience in a similar industry.
• Experience in operational contract management, particularly in Roading/Pavement Maintenance.
• Strong understanding of revenue, margin expectations, and cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams across multiple contracts and project-based activities.
• Experience mentoring and coaching teams, with a focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop consistent industry best practices, champion infield quality, and audit completed works to ensure they meet high standards.
• Assist bid teams in productivity estimates and support contract managers in civil construction capability development.
• Provide guidance to frontline leaders and delivery managers, helping them navigate commercial challenges and managing Downer process.
• Coach and develop operational staff, support national and regional training initiatives, and enhance technical and leadership skills.
• Champion safety and environmental risk management, conducting regular audits and safety engagements.

Skills

Contract management

Financial management

Team leadership

Mentoring & coaching

Safety & risk management

Education

Civil Engineering qualification

Job description

Based in Christchurch or Dunedin, lead capability, quality and productivity improvements across our South Region civil construction and maintenance opera

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 remuneration package
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programs on offer including our inspiring leader's programme for top performers

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Regional Operational Capability Manager to lead the development and enhancement of operational capability across the South Region. This role can be based in either Christchurch or Dunedin, with regular travel across the South Region.

In this role, you will collaborate with operational leaders to identify areas for improvement and excellence, while ensuring consistent performance standards. You will also be responsible for mentoring and training frontline leaders and operational managers, while providing crucial support to construction and maintenance teams to exceed Downer's quality and productivity benchmarks.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop consistent industry best practices, champion infield quality, and audit completed works to ensure they meet high standards
• Assist bid teams in productivity estimates and support contract managers in civil construction capability development
• Provide guidance to frontline leaders and delivery managers, helping them navigate commercial challenges and managing Downer process
• Coach and develop operational staff, support national and regional training initiatives, and enhance technical and leadership skills
• Champion safety and environmental risk management, conducting regular audits and safety engagements

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

• Qualification in Civil Engineering or significant experience within a similar industry
• Proven experience in operational contract management, particularly in Roading/Pavement Maintenance
• Strong understanding of financial management, including revenue, margin expectations, and cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams across multiple contracts and project-based activities
• Experience in mentoring and coaching teams, with a focus on continuous improvement

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!

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.