Senior Planner - North

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Te kōwhiringa | About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join our Transport & Infrastructure team in the North Region. This pivotal role sits at the heart of strategy, delivery, and performance-ensuring our planning and programming activities, from tender through to execution, are accurate, efficient, and aligned with Downer's standards.

You'll play a critical part in supporting new business opportunities, delivering operational excellence, and embedding best-practice planning across the region. Working closely with Project Managers, Estimators, and the Bid & Opportunities team, you'll provide expert guidance on critical path analysis, programme health, risk management, and resource planning to help drive successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of high-quality tender programmes that are realistic, cost-effective, and competitive.
• Produce and maintain robust project programmes using Primavera P6 and MS Project, providing clear updates and reporting.
• Analyse programme health, identify risks, and support Extension of Time/Acceleration claims.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and clients to ensure effective communication and delivery expectations are met.
• Mentor and develop planning capability within the wider team, supporting consistency and continuous improvement.
• Actively contribute to Zero Harm and sustainability initiatives, embedding safety and risk management in all planning activities.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills/ Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in planning and scheduling within the civil infrastructure or construction sector.
• Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, and Excel.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, scheduling techniques, and risk management.
• Experience integrating earned value systems and developing Schedule Risk Registers.
• Proven leadership qualities with the ability to mentor, influence, and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Rewarding salary
• Z Energy fuel discount and monthly freebies
• Free Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programmes to support personal and professional growth

Have a look at our other great benefits here!

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 723142.

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.

The Downer Recruitment Team will be on a holiday break from 24 December 2025 and will return on 12 January 2026. During this period, we will not be contactable and responses to applications or enquiries will resume after we return. We look forward to connecting with you in the new year.