Job Overview & Organization Mission

Manage large-diameter water pipelines, high-voltage utility relocations, and trenchless microtunneling installations across Melbourne for McConnell Dowell.

McConnell Dowell is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil Underground Utilities Project Manager to lead major pipeline and utility diversion packages in Melbourne. You will take ownership of deep trenching, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), microtunneling, and live cut-in connections for high-pressure gas, trunk water mains, and power conduits intersecting major infrastructure corridors.

As a key member of the team at McConnell Dowell in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Direct the: Direct the operational, commercial, and safety execution of major underground utility diversion packages.
• Oversee specialized: Oversee specialized trenchless construction contractors performing horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and pipe jacking.
• Manage utility: Manage utility authority asset approvals and critical connection outages with Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, and AusNet.
• Drive cost: Drive cost control, variation management, schedule milestones, and subcontractor performance.
• Maintain exceptional: Maintain exceptional safety standards in deep trenching, shoring boxes, and confined space environments.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at McConnell Dowell, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 7+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 7+ years of civil project management experience with deep expertise in underground pipelines or major utility relocations.
• Demonstrated experience with trenchless technologies (HDD, pipe jacking, microtunneling).
• Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management.
• Strong commercial acumen, leadership presence, and stakeholder management skills.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At McConnell Dowell, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$165,000 – AU$195,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Attractive remuneration package ($165,000 – $195,000) + fully maintained company vehicle + annual bonus.
• Hawthorn Melbourne headquarters with project site locations across Victoria.
• Reputation for delivering innovative, complex engineering projects that make a lasting impact.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: McConnell Dowell

McConnell Dowell delivers complex engineering infrastructure across pipeline, transport, and underground utilities.

McConnell Dowell is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official McConnell Dowell careers gateway.