Leading Hand

Higgins; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent full-time (40h)

KiwiSaver matching

Training & progression

Supportive team culture

Employee benefits

Fuel discounts

Monthly pie & coffee

Job summary

Higgins Christchurch is looking for an experienced Leading Hand to join our Surfacing Team. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll support the Foreperson/Supervisor in delivering high-quality asphalt and surfacing works across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

If you're a natural leader who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering quality work safely, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in asphalt surfacing, road construction, civil construction, or a similar industry.
• Experience leading or supervising small crews.
• Strong knowledge of asphalt paving processes and equipment.
• Ability to plan, solve problems and adapt to changing priorities.
• A hands-on approach and commitment to safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning and coordinating daily surfacing operations.
• Lead and support surfacing crew, operators, subcontractors and labour staff on site.
• Carry out and oversee asphalt paving, minor repairs and prep works.
• Support safe operation of paving, compaction, and related plant/equipment.
• Ensure work is safe, efficient and high quality.
• Coordinate labour, materials, plant and resources to maximise productivity.
• Monitor workmanship and assist with quality control.
• Maintain communication with team, clients and stakeholders.
• Promote Higgins safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Support mentoring of less experienced team members.

Skills

Leading teams

Asphalt surfacing

Road construction

Health & safety

Problem solving

Communication

Hours flexibility

Tools

Paving equipment

Rollers

Job description

Description

Higgins Christchurch is looking for an experienced and motivated Leading Hand to join our Surfacing Team. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll support the Foreperson/Supervisor in delivering high-quality asphalt and surfacing works across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. If you're a natural leader who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering quality work safely, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing:

• Assist the Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and coordinating daily surfacing operations
• Lead and support surfacing crew members, operators, subcontractors, and labour hire staff on site
• Carry out and oversee asphalt paving, minor surfacing repairs, preparation works, and related activities
• Support the safe operation of paving, compaction, and supporting plant and equipment
• Ensure works are completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards
• Coordinate labour, materials, plant, and resources to maximise productivity
• Monitor workmanship and assist with quality control requirements
• Maintain effective communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders
• Promote and uphold Higgins' safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Support the development and mentoring of less experienced team members

What you'll bring to the role:

• Proven experience in asphalt surfacing, road construction, civil construction, or a similar industry
• Previous experience leading or supervising small crews
• Strong knowledge of asphalt paving processes, surfacing operations, and associated plant and equipment
• Ability to plan work, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities
• A hands-on approach and willingness to support the team wherever needed
• Sound understanding of health and safety requirements in a construction environment
• Full Class 1 driver's licence, with Class 2, WTR, and machine operating experience advantageous
• Experience working around paving machines, rollers, sprayers, and other surfacing equipment
• Physically fit, reliable, and committed to safe work practices
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Flexibility to work additional hours, night works, and occasional weekend shifts when required

Come join the green team:

• Competitive hourly rate
• Permanent, full-time role with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
• Supportive team culture where everyone looks out for each other
• Great employee benefits for you and your family
• Z fuel discounts, including a monthly free pie and coffee

About Higgins

Higgins is a leading infrastructure business, delivering road construction, surfacing, maintenance, and civil works that keep New Zealand connected. We take pride in providing safe, sustainable, and high-quality outcomes for our customers and communities. At Higgins, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We foster a collaborative culture where individuals are supported to grow, succeed, and build rewarding careers.

We're with you on the road ahead

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

Research shows that females and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every requirement. If you're interested in this opportunity but don't tick every box, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.