Bid Manager - Water NZ

The opportunity

Downer’s Energy & Utilities business is seeking an experienced Bid Manager -Water to drive strategic growth across complex, high-value water and sewer infrastructure opportunities.

Reporting to the Head of Pre-Contracts- Water, this role sits at the centre of the Growth function, partnering closely with estimating, commercial, operations, and executive leadership to shape winning strategies and deliver compelling, high-quality submissions.

This is a pivotal role within the E&U Growth portfolio, directly influencing business development outcomes, market positioning and long-term pipeline sustainability. You’ll work across major water infrastructure opportunities, with exposure to senior leaders, multi-disciplinary teams and Tier 1 scale projects in a high-performance, collaborative environment.

This role is suited to a commercially astute bid leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-impact environments and enjoys shaping strategy, influencing outcomes, and driving business growth.

What you’ll do

• Lead the full bid lifecycle from strategy and preparation through to negotiation and handover
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary technical, commercial and operational inputs into high-quality submissions
• Drive win strategies, pricing development, risk management and value propositions
• Manage governance, approvals and compliance across complex tender processes
• Build strong internal and external relationships to strengthen market position and strike rate

What we offer

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Career development through exposure to major infrastructure bids and executive leadership
• Access to Perks@Downer employee discounts (financial, travel, wellbeing and lifestyle)
• Leadership and development programs including THRIVE and EmpowHER
• Dedicated internal mobility and career progression pathways within Energy & Utilities

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience leading complex infrastructure bids (preferably in water or related sectors)
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk, pricing and governance
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and leadership capability
• Strategic mindset with the ability to shape win themes and delivery models
• High attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and strong organisational skills

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.