About the Role
McConnell Dowell is offering an exciting opportunity for a Communications or Marketing student to join our New Business and Strategy team over the summer. This internship is ideal for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in proposal coordination, marketing communications, and strategic business development within the infrastructure and construction industry.
You’ll be working closely with experienced professionals across multiple departments, contributing to real projects and learning how high-quality proposals are developed and delivered in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Assist in the full bid/tender process, from qualification to submission.
2. Draft writing plans and coordinate inputs to meet review and submission deadlines.
3. Support the development of proposal materials such as templates, charts, and presentations.
4. Assist with the creation of Non-Price Attributes (NPAs).
5. Monitor tender portals and mailboxes for new opportunities.
6. Liaise with internal teams (HSEQ, Commercial, Finance) and external stakeholders.
7. Prepare high-quality documents and assist with layout, design, and formatting.
8. Help collate monthly reports and maintain submission registers.
What We’re Looking For
9. Currently studying Communications, Marketing, Business, or a related field. Civil Engineering students with a passion for writing are also welcomed to apply.
10. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
12. Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
13. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
14. A team player with a proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
15. Interest in infrastructure, construction, or strategic communications is a plus.
About the opportunity:
16. Our 12-weeks programme will run from 22 November 2025 until 13 February 2026, with a business closure period in between over new year's (to be confirmed).
17. We offer full-time fixed term agreement to be based in our Christchurch Office.
About McConnell Dowell:
McConnell Dowell is the Creative Construction Company for customers who want to build better communities through safe, smart, efficient infrastructure. For the past 60 years, we have built thousands of quality assets for our customers and communities across New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and South East Asia.
Our purpose of ‘providing a better life’ and values – Safety & Care; Honesty & Integrity; Customer Focus’ Performance Excellence and Working Together – are part of our identity and help to attract the best and brightest in our field. Our culture is founded on expertise, creativity, and progressive thinking.
New Zealand and Pacific projects include the Barber Grove to WWTP Duplication project, Gisborne WWTP Upgrade, Warkworth to Snells Transfer Line Upgrade, Ports of Auckland Stormwater Outfall and the Australian Defence Force Pacific Port Upgrade Project.
McConnell Dowell is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, who actively embraces a culture and workplace that is diverse and reflective of the communities and geographic environs we serve.
Note successful applicants will be required to pass satisfactory pre-employment medical, drug, alcohol and MOJ police checks.