Opportunity Summary
Lead complex procurement across major Queensland rail programs, strategic tenders and operational sites. Shape commercial outcomes, strengthen supplier performance and guide a capable team through high-value, business-critical delivery.
The Opportunity
Downer Rail & Transit Systems is seeking aSenior Manager Procurement QLD and Special Projects to lead procurement across a diverse portfolio of major projects, operational requirements and strategic growth opportunities.
Based in Brisbane, you will have a significant leadership remit spanning the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, the Maryborough operation and complex procurement initiatives supporting new and established sites. The portfolio includes specialist equipment, supplier agreements, operational materials and tender inputs that directly influence project readiness, delivery certainty and long-term asset performance.
This is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of procurement, engineering, operations, commercial strategy and project delivery. You will partner with senior leaders and technical specialists, translating complex project requirements into practical sourcing strategies and commercially sound outcomes.
Leading a procurement team across Queensland, you will create clarity, build capability and establish strong commercial discipline. You will also represent procurement on significant tenders and special projects, engaging suppliers and internal decision-makers to manage risk, unlock value and support sustainable business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement across major Queensland rail programs, operational sites and special projects, aligning commercial strategies with project milestones, operational priorities and customer commitments.
- Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, engineering, operations, finance, legal, commercial and project teams, bringing stakeholders together around clear decisions and shared outcomes.
- Direct complex sourcing, negotiation and contract-management activities for specialist equipment, materials, services and supplier agreements, balancing value, quality, risk and delivery certainty.
- Strengthen supplier performance and commercial resilience through effective market engagement, relationship management, risk mitigation and disciplined contract governance.
- Lead, coach and empower a geographically connected procurement team, creating an inclusive environment where people have the clarity, support and opportunity to contribute at their best.
What You Bring
- Senior procurement, strategic sourcing or supply chain leadership experience gained in a complex, asset-intensive or project-delivery environment. Rail experience is highly regarded, with experience in infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, automotive, aerospace or advanced manufacturing also relevant.
- Demonstrated capability leading high-value procurement portfolios, complex tenders and commercially sensitive negotiations involving multiple technical and operational stakeholders.
- Strong commercial judgement, including the ability to assess whole-of-life value, supplier risk, contractual exposure, cost drivers and delivery dependencies.
- An influential and collaborative leadership style, with the ability to navigate competing priorities, communicate clearly and bring diverse stakeholders with you through complex decisions.
- A relevant qualification in business, supply chain, engineering or a related discipline, combined with confidence using ERP, e-procurement and data analytics tools to support evidence-based decisions.
- The role is expected to be based in Brisbane and involves regular, planned travel to Queensland sites, including Maryborough, Torbanlea and the Gold Coast, with occasional interstate travel depending on tender and project requirements.
About Downer
Your role at Downer can make the difference that matters by delivering integrated rail & transit systems that connect people, power freight and strengthen Australia's rail capability.
With more than 150 years' rail experience providing end-to-end, innovative transport solutions, we are a leading provider of rollingstock asset management services.
We are experts in delivering whole-of-life asset management support to our customers and our capability allows us to offer turnkey solutions for complex projects, across every project phase.
You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas.
We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
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.
If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know. We're here to help you put your best foot forward.