Hire Manager

Melbourne, AustraliaFull-timePosted Jul 24, 2026

Downer Energy & Utilities is seeking an experienced Hire Manager to lead our regional Hire Control function and drive the effective management of vehicles, plant, equipment, tooling, container solutions and temporary buildings across our operations.

 

Reporting to the Operations Manager – Internal Asset Management, this leadership role is responsible for ensuring all hire-related activities are delivered safely, efficiently and consistently. You'll lead a team of Hire Controllers and Coordinators while partnering closely with Regional Operations Managers, Project Managers, Site Leaders, Finance, Procurement and broader Asset Management teams to optimise asset utilisation, improve service delivery and deliver cost-effective outcomes.

 

You will also play a key strategic role supporting business growth by acting as the primary Asset Management representative to bid and business development teams. Working across operational and future project requirements, you'll help develop asset pipelines, coordinate equipment planning and ensure projects have access to the right assets at the right time.

 

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact by driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and exceptional customer service across a critical function within the business.

 

What You'll Do

  • Lead and develop a team of Hire Controllers and Coordinators, ensuring a high-performing and customer-focused culture.
  • Oversee equipment sourcing, allocation, mobilisation, demobilisation and utilisation across multiple projects and regions.
  • Partner with operational stakeholders to optimise asset availability, cost recovery and fleet performance.
  • Act as the primary Asset Management representative for bid and business development activities, supporting future project planning and delivery.
  • Drive compliance, reporting, process improvement and the adoption of Asset Management technologies and best practices.

 

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to lead a critical operational function with significant influence across the business.
  • Career development and leadership growth opportunities within a Tier 1 ASX-listed organisation.
  • Access to Downer's industry-leading leadership and development programs including THRIVE and EmpowHER.
  • Exclusive employee discounts through Perks@Downer, offering savings on travel, retail, insurance and wellbeing services.
  • Dedicated internal mobility and succession planning programs focused on career progression and long-term development.
  • The opportunity to work alongside industry experts within a business that offers extensive in-house capabilities and career pathways.

 

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a collaborative and people-focused leader with strong operational and commercial acumen who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing hire, fleet, asset management, logistics or equipment operations teams.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build relationships across operational, commercial and project environments.
  • Experience managing asset utilisation, equipment planning, external hire and cost control activities.
  • Solid understanding of safety, compliance and operational risk management within asset-intensive industries.
  • Proven ability to drive continuous improvement, optimise processes and deliver customer-focused outcomes.

 

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.

 

How to Apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!

Want jobs like this matched to you?

Swoopd scores fresh postings against your résumé so you only see the matches that matter.

Get started free