Concrete Materials Engineer

Higgins Concrete Limited; Manawatū-Whanganui; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous base salary + performance‑drt

Fully maintained vehicle

All tools of the trade provided

Job summary

Higgins Concrete Limited is seeking a Materials Engineer to join our Technical team. You will monitor and improve product quality, report production test results, mentor technical staff, and drive R&D of new products and processes across our nationwide plants.

Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will support branch and regional teams, suppliers and customers. The role requires a concrete technology background, NZS 3104 registration preferred, and a proactive, hands-on approach to site work

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to handle test data and report clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Registration as a plant engineer per NZS 3104 is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and optimize mix designs regularly to ensure superior mixes and cost efficiency.
• Manage the Concrete NZ Plant audit certification process and maintain current audit certificates for every plant.
• Develop systems that monitor and improve testing processes and analyze test data to meet standards.
• Collaborate with branch and area managers on plant requirements and observe batching to verify quality.

Skills

Analytical skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in concrete technology or civil/structural/chemical engineering

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Higgins Concrete is an established Ready Mix Concrete company with plants covering the Manawatu, Taupo, Hawkes Bay, Tararua, Wairarapa, Kapiti, Wellington and Nelson, Auckland, and Tauranga areas. Our success is achieved through our people - capable, experienced people with a can-do attitude and a commitment to the highest delivery standards and customer support.

Are you a concrete technologist or materials engineer who takes pride in getting themixright? We are looking for a Materials Engineer to join ourTechnicalteam, monitoring and improving the quality of our products, reporting on production test results, mentoring our technical staff, and driving the research and development of new products and processes.Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will work alongside our branch and regional teams, suppliers and customers across the country.

What You'll Do

Review andoptimizemix designs regularly to ensure superior mixes and cost efficiency.

Manage the Concrete NZ Plant audit certification process and keep every plant holding a current audit certificate.

Develop systems thatmonitorand improve our testingprocesses andanalysetest data to make sure operational and quality standards are met.

Work with branch and area managers on plant requirements,observebatching to confirm quality standards.

Respond quickly to customer requests for advice on specification, testing and technical matters, and co-ordinate testing for production and delivery.

Coach and mentor our testers and batchers,identifyingtraining needs and building capability across our sites.

What You'll Bring

A tertiary qualification in concrete technology, or civil/structural/chemical engineering.

Registration as a plant engineer per NZS 3104 (preferred)

Relevant industry experience in concrete (preferred),aggregatesor a closely related materials field

Strong analytical skills, with confidence handling test data and reporting it clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

The ability to build enduring relationships with customers, suppliers,regulatorsand site teams.

A solid understanding of health and safety practice, and a genuine commitment to our Golden Rules.

A proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to get out on site and roll up your sleeves.

What We Offer

• Generous base salary + performance-based incentives
• Fully maintained vehicle
• All tools of the trade provided

Join a company that values initiative, teamwork, and long-term partnerships. If you're ready to take the next step in your sales career with a respected name in the concrete industry, we'd love to hear from you. Higgins Concrete is committed to a drug free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass a drug and alcohol test prior to commencement as well as a pre-employment health check. Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit.

Applications close on Friday October 2, 2026.