Lead Builder — On‑Site Craft Leader (Travel Required)

Scenic Hotel Group; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Scenic Hotel Group seeks an experienced Lead Builder to run on-site carpentry and general building work across commercial, hospitality and residential projects. You’ll stay hands-on, lead from the front, mentor apprentices and coordinate subcontractors, while ensuring safety and quality even in occupied environments.

You’ll read architectural and services drawings, solve sequencing issues early, and travel across New Zealand with occasional extended periods away from Christchurch.

Qualifications

• NZ carpentry trade qualification or equivalent
• Licensed Building Practitioner status where required
• Strong knowledge of NZ Building Code and construction standards
• Broad construction experience across commercial, hospitality and/or residential work
• Experience as Lead Builder, Foreperson or senior on-site tradesperson
• Excellent practical building skills and strong workmanship standards
• Confidence reading construction drawings
• Ability to sequence work and coordinate trades on site
• Willingness to travel and spend periods away from Christchurch

Responsibilities

• Work on carpentry and general building tasks on site
• Lead from the front and set a high standard of workmanship
• Organise daily site activities to keep work fronts productive
• Coordinate builders, apprentices, subcontractors and suppliers
• Read plans and identify buildability and sequencing issues
• Check workmanship and address defects early
• Monitor materials and site dependencies
• Find practical construction solutions while maintaining safety and quality
• Support handover and defect rectification
• Coach apprentices and less-experienced builders
• Work carefully within operating hotels and occupied environments

Skills

Lead from front

Carpentry expertise

Reading drawings

Problem solving on site

Team coordination

Education

NZ carpentry trade qualification

Licensed Building Practitioner status

Job description

Scenic Hotel Group seeks an experienced Lead Builder to run on-site carpentry and general building work across commercial, hospitality and residential projects. You’ll stay hands-on, lead from the front, mentor apprentices and coordinate subcontractors, while ensuring safety and quality even in occupied environments.

You’ll read architectural and services drawings, solve sequencing issues early, and travel across New Zealand with occasional extended periods away from Christchurch.