Project Director

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Downer’s Energy & Utilities is looking for an experienced Project Director, Water, in Auckland to lead delivery of water contracts and projects valued 20 to 80 million, ensuring safe, compliant and commercially successful outcomes while shaping Water strategy. In this senior role you’ll drive Zero Harm, build high performing teams, strengthen client partnerships and collaborate with New Business to secure and transition work. You’ll need proven Water sector leadership, P&L management, rebid success, and a track record of mobilising large workforces on greenfield and brownfield projects, with strong stakeholder management. To apply, tailor your CV to show EBIT growth, contract variations, transformation outcomes, and apply via the Apply Now button.

The opportunity

Downer’s Energy & Utilities business is seeking an experienced Project Director – Water to lead the operational delivery, growth and performance of major Water contracts and projects valued between $20M–$80M. This senior leadership role sits within the Utilities Water team and is accountable for ensuring safe, compliant and commercially successful delivery across complex projects and multi disciplinary service offerings.

As an influential member of our senior leadership team, you will drive Zero Harm, build high performing teams, strengthen client partnerships and shape the long term strategic direction of our Water portfolio. You will also play a pivotal role in securing and transitioning new work, partnering closely with our New Business team to ensure operationally deliverable solutions.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a seasoned leader who is passionate about building culture, driving innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes for customers and communities.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking a proven Water industry leader with the capability to manage operational risk, financial performance and complex service delivery at scale. 

You will bring:
•    Significant experience leading delivery of large scale capital projects or services contracts using mixed self-perform and subcontract delivery models 
•    Demonstrated success in a P&L leadership role with responsibility for EBIT, growth, contract variations and rebids 
•    A strong track record developing and embedding an authentic Zero Harm culture across diverse workforces 
•    Experience driving operational improvement, cultural change and business transformation initiatives that deliver measurable commercial outcomes 
•    Expertise managing portfolios of contracts and mobilising large workforces on both greenfield and brownfield projects 
•    Well established senior level client relationship skills within the Utilities / Water sector 
•    Highly developed leadership, communication and stakeholder management capability
•    Tertiary qualifications in business, engineering, finance, commerce or a related discipline 

You’ll be solution focused, strategic, and comfortable influencing across complex organisational structures to deliver outstanding performance, innovation and continual improvement.

What we offer

At Downer, we’re committed to building an inclusive environment where our people feel valued, supported and inspired. In this role, you will benefit from:
•    A senior leadership position with genuine strategic influence
•    The opportunity to shape the growth trajectory of Downer’s Water business
•    Supportive leadership and a culture committed to Zero Harm and high performance
•    Career development, leadership pathways and access to broader Downer group resources
•    A workplace that embraces diversity, inclusion and belonging

About Energy & Utilities

Downer’s Energy & Utilities business provides integrated services across Power, Gas, Water, Telecommunications and Renewables. We partner with major utilities and asset owners to design, build and maintain critical infrastructure that supports communities across Australia. With a strong commitment to innovation, customer value and sustainability, our teams deliver end to end asset lifecycle solutions that keep essential services running safely and reliably.

How to apply

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead high value Water projects and contribute to the growth of a nationally significant utilities business, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your application via the Apply Now button.