Commercial Lead

Stellar Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Southern Cross Health Insurance

Long-term career progression

Senior leadership role with influence

Opportunity to shape business future

Job summary

Stellar Recruitment is assisting a Hawke's Bay construction client seeking a Commercial Lead to drive financial and commercial success across a diverse project portfolio in Hawke's Bay and the wider North Island.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will lead project finances, contracts and procurement with a hands-on focus and strategic direction, shaping commercial outcomes and business performance.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years' experience within the construction industry.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts and commercial management.
• Proven ability to manage project costs and deliver successful commercial outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when required.
• Experience with JobPac, Procore or similar systems (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership across multiple construction projects.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts and financial reporting.
• Oversee contract administration, variations, claims and dispute resolution.
• Lead procurement activities and subcontractor negotiations.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support estimating and tendering activities.
• Provide commercial guidance to project teams and senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial systems and processes.
• Analyse project performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and outcomes.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Budget management

Contract management

Procurement

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Hands-on leadership

JobPac/Procore experience

Education

Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Tools

JobPac

Procore

Job description

About the Opportunity

An established and growing Hawke's Bay construction business is seeking a Commercial Lead to play a key role in the financial and commercial success of a diverse portfolio of projects across Hawke's Bay and the wider North Island.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you'll act as their trusted 2IC, providing leadership across project financials, contracts, procurement, risk management and commercial strategy. This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to influence decision-making, support business growth and help shape the commercial direction of the organisation.

Unlike larger corporate environments, your contribution won't get lost in the crowd. You'll work closely with senior leaders, have genuine input into business decisions, and see the direct impact of your efforts on project and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership across multiple construction projects
• Manage project budgets, forecasts and financial reporting
• Oversee contract administration, variations, claims and dispute resolution
• Lead procurement activities and subcontractor negotiations
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle
• Support estimating and tendering activities
• Provide commercial guidance to project teams and senior leadership
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial systems and processes
• Analyse project performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and outcomes

What's on Offer

• Relocation Package Offered
• Southern Cross Health Insurance
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• A senior leadership position with genuine influence and autonomy
• Opportunity to help shape the future direction of a growing business

About You

This role will suit an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to take the next step into broader commercial leadership, or an established commercial professional looking for greater ownership and influence.

• A Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
• Minimum 7 years' experience within the construction industry
• Strong understanding of construction contracts and commercial management
• Proven ability to manage project costs and deliver successful commercial outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commercial acumen with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands‑on when required
• Experience with JobPac, Procore or similar systems (advantageous)

Why Hawke's Bay?

• Affordable living:Greater housing affordability and more space than many of New Zealand's major centres
• Short commutes:Less time in traffic and more time doing what matters
• Family-friendly lifestyle:Excellent schools, welcoming communities, and access to beaches, rivers and outdoor recreation
• Climate advantage:Long, dry summers and a mild climate enjoyed year-round
• Everything on your doorstep:Wineries, restaurants, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and weekend adventures all within easy reach

Combine this lifestyle with the opportunity to influence the commercial direction of a growing construction business, and you'll enjoy the kind of ownership, visibility and work-life balance that's difficult to find in larger centres.

Please note: Youmusthave the right to work in New Zealand to be considered.

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