Senior Project Manager
Job Description
We currently have an opportunity for a Senior Project Manager to join our Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice team and play a key role in our high-performance Project team. Reporting to National Team Lead, you'll help deliver high-quality outcomes that support our essential services.
Te Kōwhiringa | The Opportunity
Downer holds a long-term Asset Management and Facilities Management contract with the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice that proactively manages and delivers to the national portfolio of facilities including 15 prisons, 98 courts and 141 community correctional sites.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our high-performance project team who are focused on delivering outstanding project outcomes based in Christchurch.
What You’ll Do
This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:
Lead the end-to-end delivery of facilities upgrade and new asset installation projects across the Corrections and Justice portfolio, ensuring alignment with client and contractual requirements.
Plan, coordinate, and manage projects to ensure they are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to required quality standards.
Act as the central point of coordination between clients, contractors, site teams, and internal subject matter experts to ensure effective communication and delivery outcomes.
Oversee key project control activities, including project table reads, pre-start meetings, and review and acceptance of contractor plans and delivery documentation.
Monitor project progress, manage risks and variations, and provide accurate, timely reporting on cost, schedule, and performance to stakeholders.
Ensure all upgrade and installation works (electrical, mechanical, building, and specialist systems) are delivered in compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality requirements.
Drive a solution-focused approach to project challenges, maintaining transparency, governance, and alignment with operational expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage project close-out processes, ensuring complete documentation and a structured handover to Operations to support ongoing maintenance and asset lifecycle management.
This is a fantastic role that will suit someone who is outcome-focused, enjoys a challenge, and is able to take initiative whilst building great relationships with our team and client.
Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
Proven experience in facilities management, asset maintenance, or delivery of complex upgrade works within operational environments
Relevant tertiary qualification in construction, building, facilities management, engineering, or a related discipline is desirable
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, service activities, or project tasks simultaneously—ideally within a regulated or high-compliance setting.
Strong administrative and organisational skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage documentation accurately and efficiently.
Experience reviewing contractor methodologies, plans, and documentation, with a solid understanding of safe work practices and site delivery requirements.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders at all levels.
Experience working in secure, complex, or highly regulated environments (e.g. justice, healthcare, defence, or similar sectors) is an advantage
Familiarity with work management systems and contract-based service delivery models, including tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring is an advantage
More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.
Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here
We’re proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:
Training and development to support and diversify your career.
With 30% of vacancies filled internally you’ll find real opportunities to advance your career.
Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.
A company car is provided as part of this role.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
Click "APPLY" and please include your CV and copies of relevant licenses/qualification. The reference number for this role is 730733.
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.