Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager – Department of Corrections & Ministry of Justice 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 the National Team Lead, you’ll help deliver high-quality outcomes that support our essential services. Opportunity This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our high-performance project team focused on delivering outstanding project outcomes based in Wellington or Palmerston North. Responsibilities 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. Qualifications & 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, bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients. About 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. Diversity & Inclusion We are 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, Mori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Benefits Healthcare discounts and savings on retail purchases. Employee Assistance Program for professional support. A company car is provided as part of this role. Training and development opportunities, with 30% of vacancies filled internally. Application Support 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, or require adjustments through the recruitment process, please let us know – we are here to help you put your best foot forward. #J-18808-Ljbffr