Leading Hand

Fletcher Building Limited; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Permanent role

KiwiSaver

Training & progression

Team culture

Fuel discounts

Free pie & coffee

Job summary

Higgins Christchurch is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join our Surfacing Team. This hands-on leadership role supports the Foreperson in delivering asphalt and surfacing works across Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

Motivated leaders who thrive outdoors, enjoy fast-paced environments, and take pride in quality work and safety are encouraged to apply. The role offers progression opportunities within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in asphalt surfacing/road construction or similar.
• Experience leading or supervising small crews.
• Strong knowledge of paving processes and associated plant/equipment.
• Ability to plan work, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to support the team.
• Solid understanding of health and safety in construction.
• Full Class 1 driver’s licence; Class 2/WTR/machine experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist 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, prep works, and related activities.
• Support safe operation of paving, compaction, and supporting plant/equipment.
• Ensure works are completed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards.
• Coordinate labour, materials, plant, and resources to maximise productivity.
• Monitor workmanship and assist with quality control requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with team, clients, and stakeholders.
• Promote Higgins' safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Support development and mentoring of less experienced team members.

Skills

Leadership

Asphalt surfacing

Planning

Communication

Health & safety

Driver's licence

On-site supervision

Tools

Asphalt paving equipment

Rollers & sprayers

Job 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.

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.