Leading Hand

Higgins; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

40 hours per week guaranteed

Fuel discounts & monthly pie/coffee

Ongoing training and career growth

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Leading Hand for our Wairarapa maintenance team. This hands‑on role supports the Foreperson in delivering road maintenance across the region. If you lead well, work outdoors, and value safety and quality, we want to hear from you.

You will oversee crews, plan daily activities, read plans, and ensure works are completed to standard while maintaining productive use of plant and materials.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in road maintenance or civil works.
• Experience leading small crews and coordinating tasks.
• Able to read plans and interpret work requirements.
• Strong focus on safety, quality and timely delivery.

Responsibilities

• Assist Foreperson with planning and daily cyclic maintenance tasks.
• Lead operators, labourers, subcontractors on site.
• Carry out maintenance works including pavement and drainage tasks.
• Ensure works meet safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate plant, materials and resources for productivity.
• Support mentoring of less experienced team members.

Skills

Team leadership

Planning and coordination

On-site supervision

Communication

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Education

Traffic management certification

Class 2 licence

WTR qualification

Class 1 licence

Tools

Plant and equipment knowledge

Job description

Description

Higgins Wairarapa is looking for an experienced and motivated Leading Hand to join our Maintenance Team.

This is a hands-on role where you'll support the Foreperson/Supervisor in delivering a wide range of road maintenance cyclic activities across the region.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assist the Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and coordinating daily cyclic maintenance activities
• Lead and support operators, labourers, subcontractors, and labour hire staff on site
• Carry out and oversee a variety of maintenance works, including pavement repairs, drainage maintenance, sign and roadside maintenance, and other network maintenance activities
• Ensure works are completed safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards
• Coordinate plant, materials, and resources to maximise productivity
• 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 road maintenance, civil construction, infrastructure maintenance, or a similar industry
• Experience leading or supervising small crews
• Strong knowledge of maintenance operations, 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
• Ability to read plans and interpret work requirements
• Full Class 1 licence, with Class 2, WTR, and traffic management qualifications advantageous
• Physically fit, reliable, and committed to safe work practices
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Flexibility to work additional 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%
• 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, 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.

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.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.