Contract Manager

Higgins; Napier; On-site; NZD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution up to

Upskill and licences

Great family benefits

Fuel discounts with pie and coffee

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead Road Maintenance in Hawke's Bay, based at the Napier Branch. This senior role drives commercial, operational and people performance while prioritising safety, quality, stakeholder engagement and sustainable growth.

You will oversee maintenance activities, deliver KRAs/OPMs, and lead contract plans. A minimum of 10+ years in roading/civil infra with strong leadership and commercial skills is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in roading, maintenance and civil infrastructure.
• Proven track record managing complex contracts or operations.
• Strong commercial and financial management with P&L accountability.
• Excellent leadership and people development capabilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing commercial environments and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Leading all aspects of maintenance, including commercial performance, operational delivery, HSE, resourcing, and people leadership.
• Ensuring KRAs and OPMs are achieved.
• Developing and implementing Contract Plans to drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, suppliers, and the wider community.
• Driving profitable growth in alignment with Higgins' strategy and values.
• Contributing to the success of the Higgins business through collaboration and leadership.
• Enhancing Higgins' reputation in the market while developing capability across the team.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

HSE awareness

Contract management

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Higgins is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead Road Maintenance in Hawke's Bay. Based in Napier Branch, this is a key leadership role responsible for the successful commercial, operational, and people performance of the contract while driving safety, quality, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth.

If you're a commercially savvy leader with a strong background in roading, maintenance and civil infrastructure, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within one of New Zealand's leading infrastructure businesses.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading all aspects of maintenance, including commercial performance, operational delivery, HSE, resourcing, and people leadership.
• Ensuring Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Operational Performance Measures (OPMs) are achieved.
• Developing and implementing Contract Plans that drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, suppliers, and the wider community.
• Driving profitable growth in alignment with Higgins' strategy and values.
• Contributing to the success of the broader Higgins business through collaboration and leadership.
• Enhancing Higgins' reputation in the market while developing capability across the team.

About You

• 10+ years' experience in the roading, maintenance and civil infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated success managing complex contracts or business operations within the civil construction industry.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience, including accountability for profit and loss performance.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support, and develop others.
• The ability to navigate changing commercial environments and implement practical, timely solutions.
• A proactive approach, strong business acumen, and a commitment to delivering results.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A proven commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
• A passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Join Higgins?

• Competitive salary between 155K-165K
• Permanent role between 40 and 50 hours per week
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Opportunities to upskill and gain further licences
• Great benefits for you and your whānau
• Z fuel discounts - including a free monthly pie and coffee

Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive hourly rate, subsidised medical insurance and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.

Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!

We're with you on the road ahead - Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

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