Leading Hand

Higgins; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent, full-time role (40 hours /週

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

Ongoing training and progression

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join the Maintenance Team in the Wairarapa region for a hands-on, outdoors role that supports the Foreperson/Supervisor in delivering road maintenance activities.

You will lead on-site crews, plan daily tasks, ensure safety and quality, and coordinate plant, materials, and resources. Higgins promotes teamwork, continuous training, and career progression.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Road maintenance

Supervising crews

Planning

Reading plans

Leadership

Communication

Flexible hours

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.

We're with you on the road ahead

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage early applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to close advertising early.

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.