Mechanical Foreman

Seipp Construction; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent employment

Competitive remuneration

FIFO roster to Benmore

Accommodation provided

Travel between Christchurch and Benmor

Working away allowance

Health insurance

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Seipp Construction seeks an experienced Mechanical Foreman to lead its Christchurch mechanical team on the Benmore Dam project. This permanent role involves day-to-day ownership of mechanical construction, coordinating crews, planning resources and ensuring safety and quality on site.

You will work from Christchurch with an agreed FIFO roster to Benmore, with accommodation and travel provided, and then contribute to Seipp’s growing project portfolio across civil and mechanical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Experience leading mechanical trades on large construction projects.
• Trade qualifications in mechanical fitting or similar preferred.
• Ability to read and apply engineering drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate mechanical crews and subcontractors.
• Plan daily activities, labour, plant, equipment and materials.
• Coordinate structural steel, mechanical fitting and hydraulic works.
• Lead heavy lifting, rigging, alignment and equipment installation.
• Read and apply engineering drawings and work plans.
• Identify and resolve issues to maintain safety, quality and schedule.
• Prepare and control pre-starts, permits and hold points.

Skills

Lead mechanical crews

Plan daily activities

Coordinate steel & hydraulic works

Heavy lifting & rigging

Read engineering drawings

Safety & quality focus

Team leadership

Education

Mechanical Fitter

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Build your long-term mechanical construction career with Seipp, starting on the Benmore Dam project.

Seipp Construction is looking for an experienced Mechanical Foreman to join our Christchurch mechanical team in a permanent position.

Your first assignment will be at Benmore Dam, where you will lead specialist mechanical construction as part of a nationally significant hydro infrastructure project.

You will be based in Christchurch and work an agreed FIFO roster to Benmore, with accommodation and travel provided. Once the Benmore assignment is complete, you will continue working across Seipp’s growing programme of civil and mechanical infrastructure projects.

This is an opportunity to secure the challenge and earnings of project-based work without giving up the security of permanent employment.

Your first project

Benmore Dam is a nationally significant hydro asset and a rare project to add to your experience.

The mechanical scope includes structural steel installation, hydraulic and jacking systems, heavy lifting operations, precision alignment, mechanical assembly, temporary works and commissioning support.

This is not routine maintenance or repetitive workshop work. You will work alongside experienced engineers, specialist tradespeople and suppliers to solve unique construction challenges and deliver work that will leave a lasting legacy.

The role

As Mechanical Foreman, you will take day-to-day ownership of mechanical construction activities.

Working closely with the Supervisor, Project Manager and engineering team, you will:

• Lead and coordinate mechanical crews and subcontractors

• Plan daily activities, labour, plant, equipment and materials

• Coordinate structural steel, mechanical fitting and hydraulic works

• Lead heavy lifting, rigging, alignment and equipment installation

• Read and apply engineering drawings, specifications and work plans

• Contribute practical construction knowledge when planning work methods

• Identify and resolve issues before they affect safety, quality or programme

• Lead pre-starts and make sure JSEAs, permits and hold points are completed

• Maintain high standards of workmanship, productivity and site organisation

• Support inspections, testing, quality documentation and commissioning

• Coach apprentices and developing tradespeople

• Help build the capability of Seipp’s growing mechanical team

You will be supported by an experienced project team, but we need someone who can take ownership, keep the team aligned and make good decisions on the ground.

What you will bring

We are more interested in the right practical experience and leadership capability than a perfect background.

You may have developed your experience in hydro generation, heavy industrial construction, mechanical fitting, structural steel, bridge construction, mining, ports, energy infrastructure or heavy engineering.

Ideally, you will bring experience across several of the following:

• Leading mechanical tradespeople on construction projects

• Mechanical fitting and assembly

• Structural steel installation

• Hydraulic or jacking systems

• Heavy lifting and rigging

• Welding and fabrication

• Precision alignment and equipment installation

• Reading and working from engineering drawings

• Planning work and coordinating people, plant and materials

• Working alongside engineers and specialist subcontractors

A relevant trade qualification, such as Mechanical Fitter or Fitter Welder, would be valuable. Rigging, welding, Working at Heights, EWP, Confined Space, Site Safe and First Aid qualifications are also useful, but not all are essential.

Most importantly, you will:

• Lead from the front and set a strong standard

• Plan ahead and communicate clearly

• Take safety seriously and be prepared to stop unsafe work

• Stay calm and practical when problems arise

• Hold yourself and others accountable

• Take pride in delivering quality work

• Enjoy technically challenging projects

• Be comfortable travelling and working away from home as projects require

• Want to build a long-term career in mechanical infrastructure construction

What is on offer

• Permanent employment with Seipp

• Competitive remuneration based on your experience

• A Christchurch employment base

• An agreed FIFO roster to Benmore

• Accommodation provided while working away

• Travel between Christchurch and Benmore provided

• Working away from home allowance

• Employer-funded UniMed health insurance

• A rare opportunity to work on the Benmore Dam project

• Future opportunities across Seipp’s national infrastructure programme

• Clear development pathways from Foreman into Supervisor and wider project leadership roles

• Support from experienced operational, engineering and HSEQ teams

• Work that offers genuine variety, technical challenge and visible results

About Seipp

Seipp is a New Zealand-owned infrastructure company delivering complex civil and mechanical projects across the country.

From dams and bridges to pump stations, treatment plants and specialist mechanical installations, we are at our best when the work is challenging and requires practical thinking, strong teamwork and high standards.

We are continuing to grow our mechanical capability and are looking for people who want to be part of that journey.

Our purpose is to make a difference through infrastructure delivery, contributing to better lives and healthier communities. You will work on projects that matter, with people who take pride in doing things properly.

If you are an experienced Mechanical Foreman, Supervisor or senior tradesperson ready for a bigger leadership opportunity, we would like to hear from you.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and hold a full New Zealand driver licence.