Leading Hand Carpenter - Commercial Construction

Alliance Extra Staff; Otago; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance Extra Staff is seeking a Leading Hand Carpenter for commercial and residential projects in the Queenstown Lakes region. The role combines hands-on carpentry with leadership, coordinating trades, and driving day-to-day site operations.

You will mentor apprentices, support programme delivery, and ensure quality workmanship and safety standards on every project. This is a hands‑on leadership position offering pathways toward Site Management within a trusted contractor.

Qualifications

• Experience leading onsite carpentry teams on commercial or residential builds.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Strong communication and safety leadership on site.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite carpentry teams and subcontractors.
• Work on the tools while maintaining productivity and workmanship standards.
• Assist with site coordination, planning, and daily operations.
• Support programme delivery and short-term scheduling.
• Run pre-starts, inductions, and toolbox meetings.
• Maintain strong health & safety and QA standards on site.
• Mentor apprentices and junior carpenters.
• Foster a positive and collaborative site culture.

Skills

Leadership

Carpentry

Reading plans

Communication

Safety mindset

Education

Trade certificate in Carpentry

Job description

Leading Hand Carpenter - Commercial Construction

Alliance Extra Staff – Queenstown-Lakes District, South Island

Looking to take the next step in your construction career with a company known for delivering quality projects and looking after its people?

We're partnering with a respected New Zealand construction business with a strong pipeline of commercial and residential work across the Queenstown Lakes region.With a reputation built on quality workmanship, strong leadership, and successful project delivery, this contractor continues to grow throughout Queenstown and Wanaka and is looking to add an experienced Leading Hand Carpenter to the team.

The RoleThis is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys leading from the front and takes pride in delivering quality work onsite.
You’ll work closely with the Site Manager to coordinate labor onsite, support program delivery, maintain high standards across health & safety and quality, and help ensure projects continue progressing efficiently.
The role will involve a mixture of working on the tools, mentoring junior staff, coordinating trades, and helping drive day-to-day site operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead onsite carpentry teams and subcontractors
• Work on the tools while maintaining strong productivity and workmanship standards
• Assist with site coordination, planning, and daily operations
• Support programme delivery and short-term scheduling
• Run pre-starts, inductions, and toolbox meetings
• Maintain strong health & safety and QA standards onsite
• Mentor apprentices and junior carpenters
• Foster a positive and collaborative site culture

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in commercial or residential construction
• Previous Leading Hand experience preferred
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Good understanding of site sequencing and construction methodology
• Strong commitment to health & safety best practice
• Reliable, proactive, and solutions-focused attitude

What’s on Offer

• Competitive package
• Secure long-term work across Queenstown and Wanaka
• Opportunity to work on quality commercial and residential projects
• Supportive leadership team and strong company culture
• Career progression opportunities into Site Management
• Stable contractor with strong forward workload

Why Apply?This is a great opportunity to join a business that values good people, quality workmanship, and strong team culture.If you’re looking for long-term opportunity, exciting projects, and the chance to continue progressing your career in the Queenstown Lakes region, we’d like to hearfrom you.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.