Contract Manager - Generation

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Downer's Energy & Utilities division is seeking an experienced Contract Manager - Generation to lead generation and renewables projects in NZ, onsite in Palmerston North. Reporting to the National Transmission Manager, you will oversee delivery, commercial outcomes, client relationships, managing scoping, estimating, pricing, subcontractors and scheduling. You will build client partnerships, drive forecasting, invoicing, risk management and contract compliance, and champion Downer's Zero Harm culture. The ideal candidate has proven experience in power generation or renewables, strong commercial and contractual capability, and effective leadership with stakeholder management; travel. We offer competitive remuneration, career paths, wellness benefits, and an inclusive ASX-listed environment. To apply, click Apply; unsolicited resumes or agency submissions are not accepted.

The opportunity

Downer's Energy & Utilities business is seeking an experienced Contract Manager - Generation to lead the successful delivery of generation and renewable energy projects across New Zealand. Reporting to the National Transmission Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in managing project delivery, commercial outcomes, client relationships, and operational performance across a diverse portfolio of work.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with key industry stakeholders while leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes. Supporting New Zealand's evolving energy landscape, you'll be responsible for driving project success from concept through to completion, ensuring contractual obligations are met while identifying opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and business growth.

What you’ll do

• Lead the delivery of generation and renewable energy projects, ensuring safety, quality, financial and operational performance targets are achieved
• Manage project scoping, estimating, pricing, subcontractors, scheduling, variations, cost control, and project closeout activities 
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted partner and key point of contact
• Drive commercial performance through forecasting, invoicing, risk management, and contract compliance
• Champion Downer's Zero Harm culture while promoting continuous improvement across project delivery and business operations

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration with a significant ASX-listed company
• Structured career paths with the opportunity to work in different areas of the Utilities business, supported by a robust Commercial Operating Model
• A suite of health and wellness benefits and initiatives, including EAP Beyond Blue
• Retail discounts with major retailers, Dell, Good Guys, Samsung, Specsavers & ANZ
• We are a Tier 1 ASX listed company with in-house capabilities that far exceed traditional contractor environments

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience within the power generation, transmission or renewable energy sector
• Demonstrated success managing contracts, projects, or operational delivery within a utility, infrastructure, or construction environment
• Strong commercial, financial and contractual management capability
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement and client relationship management skills 
• Commitment to Zero Harm, quality outcomes, continuous improvement, and team success
• Able to undertake regional travel from time-to-time to satisfy project requirements

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

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.

How to apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you! Downer does not accept unsolicited resumes, fees, or costs from recruitment agencies, search firms, or third parties. Candidates are welcome to submit their applications via the advertisement.