Contract Manager

Higgins; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

KiwiSaver matching (up to 4%)

Job summary

Higgins in New Zealand is recruiting a senior leader to oversee a $25M+ annual maintenance programme across a 1,200km roading network in North Waikato. You will work closely with Waikato District Council, delivering strategic, commercial and operational leadership to optimise network performance for communities.

Spanning Tuakau, Pokeno, Huntly and Te Kauwhata, the role focuses on safety, reliability and value delivery, with opportunities to shape the contract's next 8-10 years and advance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large-scale road maintenance contracts.
• Strong understanding of contract and asset management principles.
• Proven commercial acumen, including budgets, forecasts and risk management.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across clients, teams and partners.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract delivery, performance and profitability.
• Build strong client, stakeholder and subcontractor relationships.
• Drive commercial outcomes through effective financial and risk management.
• Lead Operations, Renewals and support teams to deliver results.
• Oversee governance, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Champion safety, quality and customer outcomes.

Skills

Contract leadership

Asset management

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder relationships

Leadership & communication

Education

Civil Engineering or Asset Management qualification

Job description

Description

Lead one of Higgins' key maintenance contracts, overseeing a $25–26M annual programme and 1,200km roading network across North Waikato. As the contract enters year two of a potential 10-year term, this is an opportunity to lead a well-established operation while shaping its future direction. Working closely with Waikato District Council, you'll provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership to deliver outstanding outcomes for the network and local communities.

Description
Lead one of Higgins' key maintenance contracts, overseeing a $25–26M annual programme and 1,200km roading network across North Waikato. As the contract enters year two of a potential 10-year term, this is an opportunity to lead a well-established operation while shaping its future direction. Working closely with Waikato District Council, you'll provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership to deliver outstanding outcomes for the network and local communities.

Spanning Tuakau, Pokeno, Huntly and Te Kauwhata, the programme includes routine maintenance, renewals, unsealed road grading and emergency response activities. Leading a capable operational team, you'll drive performance, foster strong stakeholder relationships and ensure the long-term success of the contract.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead contract delivery, performance and profitability.
• Build strong client, stakeholder and subcontractor relationships.
• Drive commercial outcomes through effective financial and risk management.
• Lead Operations, Renewals and support teams to deliver results.
• Oversee governance, reporting and continuous improvement.
• Champion safety, quality and customer outcomes.

What You'll Bring

• Extensive experience leading large-scale road maintenance contracts.
• Relevant qualification in Civil Engineering, Asset Management or a related field.
• Strong understanding of contract and asset management principles.
• Proven commercial acumen, including budgets, forecasts and risk management.
• Ability to build trusted relationships across clients, teams and partners.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and decision-making skills.

What\'s On Offer

• Senior leadership role with a seat on the Higgins Regional Leadership Team.
• Lead a $25M+ annual programme and 1,200km roading network.
• Shape the future of a contract in its early years of a potential 10-year term.
• Enjoy the autonomy to lead, backed by Higgins' national expertise and VINCI's global capability.
• Build your leadership career through future regional and business leadership opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration package, including relocation support and matched KiwiSaver up to 4%.

Join Higgins and play a key role in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure that connects North Waikato communities. Backed by VINCI Construction, you'll have the support, capability and long-term opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.