Operations Manager - Hawkes Bay

Horizon Energy Group; Napier; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle (with full private use

Career development

Wellbeing & insurance

Birthday leave

Corporate discounts

70+ years of industry experience

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Horizon Energy Group’s Hawke’s Bay unit in Napier seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our mechanical building services projects. You will oversee Project Managers, Site Managers and operational teams to deliver on time, within budget, and to Aquaheat's quality standards.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in building services or commercial construction, with strong leadership, planning, and stakeholder management skills, plus a NZ driver licence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in the building services or commercial construction industry.
• Proven senior project, contract, or operational management experience.
• Strong leadership capability managing project managers, site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to Project Managers and operational teams.
• Oversee planning, resourcing, labour allocation, subcontractor management, and project delivery.
• Drive commercial performance including forecasting, cost-to-complete reviews, variations, and final accounts.
• Ensure compliance with QMS, HSEQ requirements, contractual obligations, and relevant legislation.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Lead continuous improvement, operational excellence, and business growth initiatives.
• Support business planning, recruitment, resource forecasting, and workload management.
• Champion Aquaheat's SWITCH values and foster a safety-focused culture.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Planning & budgeting

Safety & compliance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Horizon Energy Group – Napier City, North Island

Aquaheat New Zealand Limited is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Hawke's Bay Business Unit. This senior role oversees project delivery, commercial performance, operational leadership, and client relationships across multiple mechanical building services projects.

You will work closely with the Regional General Manager – Central and lead Project Managers, Site Managers, Supervisors, and operational teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to Aquaheat's quality standards.

Aquaheat New Zealand is one of New Zealand's most respected HVAC and mechanical project contractors. Alongside our core business, we operate several specialist divisions including AquaFire, (fire protection solutions), Colt (louvre and smoke control systems), and Classic Metal (roofing and cladding solutions).

With over 70 years' experience, we deliver end-to-end solutions across commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. From heating, cooling, and ventilation to fire protection and roofing, we design, install, and maintain systems that help keep New Zealand running.

About the role :

In this role, you will:

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to Project Managers and operational teams
• Oversee planning, resourcing, labour allocation, subcontractor management, and project delivery
• Drive commercial performance including forecasting, cost‑to‑complete reviews, variations, and final accounts
• Ensure compliance with Aquaheat's QMS, HSEQ requirements, contractual obligations, and relevant legislation
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders
• Lead continuous improvement, operational excellence, and business growth initiatives
• Support business planning, recruitment, resource forecasting, and workload management
• Champion Aquaheat's SWITCH values and foster a high‑performing, safety‑focused culture

About you :

You will bring:

• Minimum 10 years' experience in the building services or commercial construction industry
• Proven experience in senior project, contract, or operational management roles
• Strong leadership capability managing Project Managers, site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Deep understanding of mechanical building services, commissioning, and construction methodologies
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem‑solving skills
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills
• Sound knowledge of NZ construction legislation, contractual obligations, and HSEQ requirements
• A commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and customer service
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management systems
• A current full NZ Driver Licence

What's in it for you?

At Horizon Energy Group, you'll enjoy:

• Company vehicle (with full private use)
• Career development: ongoing training, upskilling and pathways across the wider Group
• Wellbeing support: health checks, flu jabs, EAP, and life & critical illness insurance
• Extra leave: enjoy a paid day off on your birthday
• Perks & discounts: access to a wide range of corporate discounts
• Join a trusted NZ company with 70+ years of industry experience
• Supportive team culture: work with people who value safety, teamwork and doing the job right

Our SWITCH Values:

We're after someone who brings real energy to our SWITCH values:

• Sustainability – Making smart decisions for our future.
• Winning – Taking ownership and delivering results.
• Innovation – Finding better ways to get the job done.
• Trust – Building strong relationships through honesty and integrity.
• Customer Focus – Delivering exceptional service every day.
• Health & Safety – Putting safety first, always.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Our workplaces are drug and alcohol free - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical.