Emerging Talent Lead

Brisbane Airport, Australia · North Ryde, Australia · Underdale, Australia · Melbourne, AustraliaPosted Jul 21, 2026

Are you passionate about developing emerging talent and creating meaningful career pathways? Do you thrive on building relationships, managing programs and making a genuine impact on people's careers?

 

We're looking for an Emerging Talent Lead to drive and evolve our early careers strategy across Australia, leading the delivery of our Graduate, Cadet, Trainee and Apprentice programs while helping to attract, develop and retain the next generation of professionals and skilled workers.

 

The Opportunity

 

You'll take ownership of Downer's Emerging Talent portfolio, ensuring our Graduate, Cadet, Trainee and Apprentice programs deliver exceptional experiences from attraction and recruitment through to onboarding, development, mentoring and career progression.

 

You'll work closely with business leaders, hiring managers, recruiters, universities and industry partners to ensure our programs continue to build a strong pipeline of future talent aligned to our workforce needs. 

 

This is a highly visible role where you'll influence the future workforce of a major Australian organisation while creating development opportunities that help young professionals thrive. 

 

About You

 

You are an energetic, people-focused professional who is passionate about helping others launch successful careers.

You'll bring:

  • Experience in graduate programs, apprenticeship and trainee programs, early careers recruitment, talent development, learning and development, workforce planning or related people programs.
  • Strong project and program management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders. 
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills. 
  • A proactive approach and a passion for creating outstanding participant experiences. 
  • The ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence. 
  • Tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, Communications, Marketing or a related field will be highly regarded.

 

Downer is a company that believes people are our greatest asset. We take pride in providing career opportunities, work-life balance, and above benchmark services. We also offer a range of benefits including:

 

  • Work with a collaborative, forward-thinking team that values innovation and continuous improvement
  • Be part of a culture that values safety, integrity, and excellence in everything we do
  • Proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women 
  • The chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, large-scale infrastructure business

 

To apply for this great opportunity, please click on "Apply" and submit your application. We cannot accept applications via email but for more information, please contact:
Alicia Jacobson – Talent and Sourcing Business Partner
E: Alicia.Jacobson@downergroup.com

 

 

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.  

 

 

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