Leading Hand

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Full-time role (40 hrs/wk)

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

Training & progression

Supportive team culture

Employee benefits for you and family

Fuel discounts & free pie/coffee

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join our Maintenance Team in Wellington. This hands-on role supports the Foreperson in planning and delivering road maintenance activities across the region, leading small crews and ensuring work is performed safely and to a high standard.

You will oversee daily works, coordinate plant, materials and subcontractors, and mentor less-experienced team members. A full NZ Class 1 licence (Class 2, WTR, and traffic management qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience in road maintenance, civil construction, or similar.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and coordinating daily maintenance activities.
• Lead and support operators, labourers, subcontractors on site.
• Carry out and oversee pavement repairs, drainage maintenance, sign and roadside works.
• Ensure works are safe, efficient, and meet quality standards.
• Coordinate plant, materials, and resources to maximise productivity.
• Maintain communication with team, clients and stakeholders.
• Promote Higgins' safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Mentor less experienced team members.

Skills

Road maintenance

Crew supervision

Maintenance operations

Planning & problem-solving

Hands-on leadership

Reading plans

Physical fitness & safety

Communication & leadership

Overtime flexibility

Education

Full Class 1 licence; Class 2, WTR, traffic management advantageous

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

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.