Indigenous Engagement Lead

At Downer, Energy & Utilities, we believe meaningful Indigenous engagement is essential to building a sustainable, inclusive and high‑performing business. We are seeking an experienced Indigenous Engagement Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping how we partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and deliver authentic, measurable outcomes across our Energy & Utilities business.

This is a critical role within our People and Culture function, directly contributing to the long‑term sustainability of our E&U people strategy and our commitments under Downer’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Inclusion and Belonging Manager, you will lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of Indigenous engagement, employment and community initiatives across ANZ. You will be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, a connector between community and business, and a champion for culturally safe, community‑led approaches that create real opportunity.

This role is suited to someone who is motivated to make a difference, influence at scale, and ensure Indigenous engagement is embedded in how we operate, not treated as an add‑on.

What you will do

You will lead and influence across multiple levels of the organisation, with accountability for outcomes, not just activity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and leading Indigenous engagement strategies aligned to our RAP and E&U people priorities.
• Building and sustaining strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Traditional Owners, PBCs and representative bodies.
• Driving Indigenous employment, retention and capability‑building pathways in partnership with Talent and operational leaders.
• Supporting culturally safe onboarding, pastoral care and employee connection initiatives, including leadership of Indigenous employee forums.
• Providing expert advice on cultural capability, cultural safety and community engagement to leaders and People and Culture teams.
• Supporting contractual, social procurement and tender commitments through credible Indigenous engagement input.
• Delivering clear reporting, insights and data to demonstrate progress, impact and opportunities for improvement.
• Proactively identifying and managing cultural, community and engagement risks in line with Zero Harm principles.

What success looks like

• Strong, trusted partnerships with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
• Increased Indigenous participation, retention and engagement across E&U.
• Leaders equipped with greater cultural capability and confidence.
• RAP and contractual commitments delivered with integrity.
• Clear evidence of impact through data, stories and community feedback.

What you bring

We are looking for depth of experience, cultural credibility and the confidence to influence in complex environments.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience in Indigenous engagement, community development, inclusion or related roles within large or complex organisations.
• Demonstrated experience delivering RAP commitments and Indigenous employment pathways.
• Strong, established relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.
• Knowledge of Traditional Owner engagement, Land Councils, PBCs, native title and relevant procurement and employment frameworks.
• The ability to influence senior leaders and partners with integrity, respect and cultural authority.
• Confidence presenting to leaders, clients and community forums.
• A collaborative, resilient and outcomes‑focused approach.
• Tertiary qualifications in community development, human resources, social sciences, business or a related field are preferred.

Why join Downer

A genuinely influential role with executive visibility and support.

The opportunity to shape long‑term, sustainable Indigenous outcomes across a major ANZ business.

A values‑led organisation committed to Zero Harm, inclusion and reconciliation.

The chance to work alongside leaders who want to learn, listen and do better.

Our commitment

Downer is committed to reconciliation, cultural safety and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel respected, supported and empowered to thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and are committed to inclusive and culturally respectful recruitment practices.