Leading Hand

Symal; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness benefits

Discounted health insurance

Perks & rewards platform

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Wamarra, an Aboriginal-owned civil and landscaping contractor, is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join our team. This hands-on leadership role coordinates site activities across earthworks, pavements, drainage, concrete and service installations, working with Supervisors and Project Engineers to drive safe, on-time project outcomes.

You will lead crews, monitor progress, manage lookaheads, enforce SWMS and quality controls, mentor operators and labourers, and collaborate with clients to

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Leading Hand or senior operator in civil construction.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specs.
• Commitment to safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating site crews, plant and subcontractors
• Driving daily productivity and ensuring works are delivered to program
• Implementing and managing 3-week lookaheads and short-term planning
• Monitoring and reporting on site progress, productivity and delays
• Ensuring all safety processes are followed including pre-starts, SWMS and risk assessments
• Maintaining strong quality control, including ITPs, inspections and defect management
• Managing subcontractors and suppliers in line with project scope and requirements
• Mentoring and developing operators and labourers on site
• Working closely with Supervisors, Engineers and clients to deliver strong project outcomes

Skills

Leadership on-site

Civil construction

Communication skills

Reading plans

Education

Trade certificate in Civil Construction

Job description

Experience the excitement of building your Civil career in our evolving construction company where people and performance make amazing things happen.

Who we are

We’re Wamarra, an Aboriginal-owned and operated civil and landscaping contractor creating meaningful long-term economic independence and career opportunities for Aboriginal people and their communities.

As a self-performing contractor, we work across a range of sectors, strengthening Aboriginal participation and engagement within the construction industry.

Partnering with Symal, a national construction group, we’re building better futures, together.

The role:

We are seeking an experiencedLeading Hand to join our civil construction team. This is a key role responsible for coordinating site activities, leading crews, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

You’ll play a hands‑on leadership role across earthworks, pavements, drainage, concrete and service installations, working closely with Supervisors and Project Engineers to drive performance on site.

Your everyday:

• Leading and coordinating site crews, plant and subcontractors
• Driving daily productivity and ensuring works are delivered to program
• Implementing and managing 3-week lookaheads and short-term planning
• Monitoring and reporting on site progress, productivity and delays
• Ensuring all safety processes are followed including pre-starts, SWMS and risk assessments
• Maintaining strong quality control, including ITPs, inspections and defect management
• Managing subcontractors and suppliers in line with project scope and requirements
• Mentoring and developing operators and labourers on site
• Working closely with Supervisors, Engineers and clients to deliver strong project outcomes

Who are you?

• Proven experience as aLeading Hand or stepped-up Operator in civil construction
• Strong background in earthworks, drainage, pavements and concrete works
• Demonstrated ability to lead crews and drive productivity on site
• Solid understanding of safety, quality and commercial requirements
• Ability to read plans, manage workflows and coordinate multiple work fronts
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Current Driver’s Licence
• Relevant tickets and industry certifications

A career with us

At Wamarra, we’re more than a workplace—we’re a purpose‑driven team where your culture, career and community matter. Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, you’ll find a culturally safe space to develop, with genuine support every step of the way.

There are plenty of good reasons to dig into a career at Wamarra.

• Forge pathways: We open doors to diverse, challenging and future‑shaping construction projects to expand your experience and develop your career.
• Get ahead: Feel supported from day one—with mentoring, leadership and hands‑on opportunities to build skills, find your path and create a lasting impact with confidence. Upskill with practical, project‑based training, individually tailored to suit your skills, experience and goals.
• Keep well: A healthy and happy workplace builds a brighter future. With wellness benefits, discounted health insurance, a perks and rewards platform and an industry‑leading employee assistance program, we’re here to support you when you need it.
• Stay social: People are the core of Wamarra. Our leading‑edge work and breakout spaces stocked with snacks bring the best out of our teams and keep them fuelled for their next challenge, while our social calendar is stacked with events to connect, celebrate and reward our mob.

As a business that exists to create long‑term careers and lasting change for First Nations people in construction, we’re committed to opening doors for any individuals who may not see a traditional entry point into the construction industry. We’re empowering women to thrive in construction throughShine and championing veteran career transitions through Resolve - helping you build a future where you belong.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans and individuals from diverse cultural and life experiences are encouraged to apply.