Submission Manager

Full job description
Downer New Zealand is seeking a dynamic and driven Submissions Manager to lead and manage high-value, strategic bids across our Transport business. In this pivotal role, you’ll play a key part in securing significant projects that contribute to the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s infrastructure.

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
An inclusive and respectful place to work
$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!

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

As Submissions Manager, you’ll be responsible for leading the end-to-end submission process for complex and collaborative bids, typically Category 4 and 5. You’ll collaborate with Bid Leads, Estimators, Graphic Designers, commercial and operational teams, to shape winning strategies and deliver compelling, client-focused submissions. Your role is instrumental in ensuring consistency, innovation, and continual improvement in how we win work.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement winning bid strategies, themes, messaging and written responses.

Manage submission teams (including virtual and third-party contributors) through planning, writing, and review stages.

Drive the execution of high-quality, compliant, and competitive tender submissions.

Provide support and guidance across the wider tendering function.

Ensure adherence to Downer’s Opportunity and Bid Management Process and other governance frameworks.

Support the collation of best-practice tender content and ongoing library maintenance.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills
Proven experience managing complex, high-value tenders from inception to submission.

Demonstrated ability to create high-scoring, non-price attribute submissions.

Exceptional project management, communication, and leadership skills.

In-depth understanding of client procurement strategies and how to optimise responses.

Strong collaboration skills with an eye for detail and a drive for continuous improvement.

A passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for clients and the business.

Desired Skills
APMP Certification – Foundation or Practitioner Familiarity with SharePoint or similar document management systems.

Commercial acumen and strategic thinking.

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 with your cover letter and resume. The reference number for this role is 727968.

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 2026 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.