The opportunity
Downer is seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager - Lines to lead the successful delivery of major high voltage transmission line programs across Australia. This role is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing large scale transmission projects, driving commercial performance, developing high performing teams, and maintaining strong client partnerships.
This role is ideal for a senior leader who thrives in complex project environments and has a proven track record delivering major transmission infrastructure projects. You will provide strategic oversight across project portfolios, ensuring safe execution, operational excellence, and strong financial outcomes while supporting Australia's energy transition and critical network infrastructure upgrades.
At Downer, you will join one of Australia's largest infrastructure providers with the capability to deliver end to end solutions across engineering, construction, maintenance and asset management. Our integrated delivery model, national footprint and growing involvement in renewable generation and transmission projects provide opportunities rarely available elsewhere in the market.
What you’ll do
- Lead the delivery of large scale high voltage transmission line construction projects and portfolios, ensuring performance against safety, quality, commercial and client objectives.
- Manage project profitability, revenue, EBIT, forecasting, cash flow, contract variations, procurement strategies and commercial risk management.
- Provide leadership and direction to geographically dispersed project teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, capability development and operational excellence.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and stakeholders while supporting business growth and future work opportunities.
- Champion Downer's Zero Harm culture through visible leadership and a relentless commitment to safety, environmental and quality outcome
What we offer
- The opportunity to lead complex transmission line construction works that support Australia's growing energy network
- A senior position with responsibility for project delivery, commercial performance, client engagement and team leadership
- 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
Significant experience delivering large scale high voltage transmission line construction projects, ideally within utilities, energy or major infrastructure environments.
Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline, with PMBOK and/or CPPD accreditation highly regarded.
Availability to work a project based 20:8 roster and travel to site locations as required, including periods away from home
Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience managing project financials, forecasting, budgets, risk, procurement and contract administration.
Proven capability leading and developing large multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographic locations.
Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and client relationship management skills, coupled with the ability to influence outcomes at executive level
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.
Skills Required
- Significant experience delivering large-scale high-voltage transmission line construction projects, preferably in utilities, energy, or major infrastructure
- Tertiary qualification in Engineering or a related discipline
- PMBOK and/or CPPD accreditation
- Availability to work a project-based 20:8 roster and travel to site locations, including periods away from home
- Strong commercial experience managing project financials, forecasting, budgets, risk, procurement, and contract administration
- Proven ability to lead and develop large multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographic locations
- Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, client relationship management, and executive influencing skills
Downer Group Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Downer Group and has not been reviewed or approved by Downer Group.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Overtime, penalty rates, and structured allowances are often viewed as strong earners that lift overall compensation, particularly in field and trade roles.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing resources such as a 24/7 EAP, mental-health support, health checks, flu vaccinations, and retail discounts are consistently highlighted as valuable parts of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Leave options include parental leave and domestic-violence leave, contributing to a broader benefits offering across different life stages.
Downer Group Insights
What We Do
Downer Group is a leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand, operating in sectors such as transport, utilities, facilities, and defense.







