Sustainability Manager

Downer, a leading provider of integrated services across Australia and New Zealand, acquired Hawkins in March 2017, bringing together decades of expertise in delivering high – quality infrastructure and building projects.

We are seeking a Sustainability Manager to lead environmental and sustainability initiatives across one of our iconic projects in Auckland. This role will see you champion best practice sustainability outcomes, embed environmental excellence into project delivery, and inspire a culture of continuous improvement.

If you are passionate about making a measurable difference in environmental performance and sustainability leadership, this is your chance to influence change on a major project.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Management

• Develop and implement environmental management plans.
• Hold annual sustainability workshops to identity opportunities.
• Ensure site compliance through audits and monitoring.
• Advise on low or zero-carbon technologies and emerging industry innovations.
• Keep up to date with changes in environmental legislation.
• Create waste management and biodiversity protection plans.

Sustainability Leadership

• Drive sustainability performance and celebrate achievements.
• Promote best practice sustainability and social outcomes on construction projects.
• Lead cultural change by embedding sustainability in all project stages.
• With sustainability forming a part of the Broader Outcomes deliverables, support the wider initiatives in the Broader Outcomes space.

Broader Outcomes

• With sustainability forming a part of the Broader Outcomes deliverables, support the wider initiatives in the Broader Outcomes space.

Data, Quality & Systems

• Oversee sustainability data collection, analysis, and reporting to the Project Management Team and Board.
• Ensure data accuracy through auditing processes.
• Collaborate with supply chain partners to improve sustainability reporting capabilities.

People & Capability Development

• Coach and mentor operational teams in sustainability and environmental practices.
• Provide collaborative leadership across all operational levels.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate environmental and sustainability risks.
• Ensure compliance with Downer’s Environmental & Sustainability (ES) systems.
• Investigate non-compliance incidents and recommend corrective actions.

Health & Safety

• Support the Project Lead in fostering a strong safety culture.
• Monitor compliance with HSE legislation and internal policies.
Promote reporting of incidents, near misses, and hazards in line with Downer Zero Harm principles.

What You Will Bring

• Education: Tertiary qualification in Environmental Science, Engineering, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in sustainability and environmental management, ideally within large construction or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of NZ environmental legislation and sustainability best practice.
• Demonstrated skills in environmental approvals and project sustainability delivery.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and data analysis tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and a proactive approach.
Leadership capability with the ability to inspire and influence diverse teams.

Benefits Of Working with Downer

• Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
• Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:
  • Professional development programs
    • Access to professional memberships and industry networks
• Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee’s wellbeing needs:
  • Flexible work arrangements
    • Parental leave
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
• A range of Corporate Benefits, including:
  • Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)

Why Downer?

As a trusted name in infrastructure, transport, facilities management, and construction, Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting, positive legacy. 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.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.