Project Commissioning Manager

Cortek Limited; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Ongoing professional development

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Cortek Limited in Canterbury, New Zealand, is seeking a Commissioning Manager to lead commissioning activities for major dairy processing projects. The role is full-time and on-site, based in Canterbury, with a focus on safe, high-quality project delivery.

The ideal candidate will manage commissioning plans, schedules, and documentation, while coordinating across project managers, contractors, and operations to ensure successful handover and operational readiness.

Qualifications

• Proven commissioning leadership experience in industrial sectors such as dairy, manufacturing, or construction.
• Strong planning, scheduling and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to health, safety and quality in project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, coordination and execution of commissioning activities from construction completion to handover.
• Develop and implement commissioning plans, strategies and schedules.
• Supervise inspections and tests, review technical documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, contractors, consultants and operations.
• Maintain commissioning records, testing data, and handover packages.

Skills

Commissioning management

Leadership

Planning

Communication

Problem solving

Safety focus

Reading drawings

Job description

Cortek Limited has more than 25 years of experience serving the New Zealand dairy industry, delivering turnkey project solutions across a wide range of facilities and operations. The company provides end-to-end project scope, management, and consulting services tailored to dairy sector requirements. Cortek is known for a professional, responsive, and efficient approach that supports clients through every stage of project delivery. The organization is Prequal certified for Category 4 Project Management, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety, quality, and industry best practice.

Role Description

The Commissioning Manager role is a full-time, on-site position, initially based in Canterbury. The Commissioning Manager will oversee planning, coordination, and execution of commissioning activities for major dairy processing projects from construction completion through to commissioning, handover and operational readiness. This is a key leadership role for a proactive professional who thrives in complex project environments and is passionate about delivering safe, high-quality outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

As Project Commissioning Manager, you oversee all commissioning activities to ensure systems, equipment and infrastructure are tested, validated, and seamlessly handed over to operations.

Day-to-day tasks include:

• Developing and executing commissioning plans, strategies and schedules
• Leading commissioning activities from pre-commissioning through to final handover
• Supervising inspections and tests
• Building strong relationships with project stakeholders
• Reviewing technical documentation
• Coordinating with project managers, contractors, consultants, operational teams and suppliers
• The role also involves managing commissioning documentation, testing records, handover packages and reporting, monitoring timelines and budgets related to commissioning, and resolving technical or operational issues that arise during start-up and handover
• The Commissioning Manager will contribute to continuous improvement of commissioning processes and support safe, efficient project delivery

Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• Proven commissioning management experience within industrial, infrastructure, energy, water, manufacturing, construction, or related sectors
• Strong knowledge of commissioning and project delivery processes.
• The ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience managing schedules, reporting, and project performance
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and quality
• Proficiency in reading technical drawings and specifications and preparing clear commissioning reports and documentation
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on safety and quality
• Experience in the dairy or food processing industry, and familiarity with New Zealand standards and regulations, will be an advantage

Why Join Us?

• A company committed to safety, quality, and innovation
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Utilise latest software and technology tools for project delivery
• Work on significant and challenging projects
• Competitive remuneration package
• Ongoing professional development and career growth