Leading Hand

Higgins; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver 4% match

Fuel discounts

Free pie & coffee

Upskill opportunities

40 hours guaranteed

Competitive hourly rate

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join our Wairoa civil team in Hawke's Bay. This hands-on role supports the Foreperson/Supervisor in planning, coordinating, and delivering safe, high-quality on-site work across our projects.

You will lead small crews, read plans, manage plant and materials, and uphold Higgins' safety and environmental standards. A full Class 1 licence is required, with Class 2/WTR advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in civil construction, infrastructure, or maintenance environments.
• Experience leading or supervising small crews.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, plant, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and follow project specifications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to work.
• Willingness to be hands-on and support the wider team when required.
• Full Class 1 licence, with Class 2 and WTR endorsements considered advantageous.
• Physically fit and committed to safe work practices.
• Positive attitude and willingness to work flexible hours when required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and coordinating daily site activities.
• Lead and support operators, labourers, subcontractors on site.
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards.
• Coordinate plant, materials, and resources to keep projects running smoothly.
• Maintain effective communication with team, clients, and site stakeholders.
• Uphold Higgins' safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Mentor and train less experienced crew members.
• Contribute across civil construction, maintenance, and infrastructure activities.

Skills

Civil construction experience

Leadership experience

Reading plans

Plant & tools knowledge

Problem solving

Hands-on attitude

Full Class 1 licence

Licence Class 2/WTR

Physical fitness

Flexible hours

Job description

Description

Higgins Hawke's Bay is looking for an experienced and motivated Leading Hand to join our Wairoa team. This is a hands-on role where you'll support the Foreperson/Supervisor in leading day-to-day activities, ensuring safe, high-quality, and efficient delivery across our projects.

If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in leading by example, and thrive in a team environment, this is a great opportunity to take the next step in your civil construction career.

What You'll Be Doing

• Assist the Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and coordinating daily site activities
• Lead and support operators, labourers, subcontractors, and labour hire staff on site
• Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards
• Coordinate plant, materials, and resources to keep projects running smoothly
• MaiNtain effective communication with team members, clients, and site stakeholders
• Promote and uphold Higgins' safety, quality, and environmental standards
• Support a positive team culture and assist with mentoring and training less experienced crew members
• Contribute across a range of civil construction, maintenance, and infrastructure activities as required

What You'll Bring To The Role

• Proven experience in civil construction, infrastructure, or maintenance environments
• Experience leading or supervising small crews
• Strong understanding of construction processes, plant, tools, and equipment
• Ability to read and interpret plans and follow project specifications
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to work
• Willingness to be hands-on and support the wider team when required
• Full Class 1 licence, with Class 2 and WTR endorsements considered advantageous
• Physically fit, reliable, and committed to safe work practices
• A positive attitude and willingness to work flexible hours 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%
• Opportunities to upskill and gain further licences and qualifications
• Supportive team culture where everyone looks out for each other
• Z fuel discounts, including a monthly free pie and coffee

About Higgins

Higgins is a leading construction and infrastructure company, proudly building and maintaining roads, bridges, and civil projects that connect communities across New Zealand. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we deliver projects that make a real difference. At Higgins, you'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth because we believe our people are the foundation of our success.

We're with you on the road ahead

Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

Research shows that females and minority groups don't always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. If this role interests you but you don't quite meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles, and we're proud of the diversity that makes us better together.