Project Manager – Marine Construction

People Passion; Auckland; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Heron Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead marine construction projects from planning through completion. You will manage resources, budgets and schedules, ensuring safety, quality and client satisfaction while coordinating with clients, suppliers and contractors across NZ.

The role requires a tertiary engineering/construction credential and 10+ years in the field, with at least 5 years in PM/Senior PM roles. Availability for national travel is expected.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years’ relevant industry experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience at Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer level, with responsibility for delivering assigned projects or work scopes.
• Strong project planning, budgeting and resource management capability.
• Sound commercial and contractual awareness.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with clients, suppliers and project stakeholders.
• A positive, solutions‑focused attitude.
• The ability to work autonomously and take ownership of project outcomes.
• Availability to work outside Auckland base with requirements for national delivery.
• Availability to work away from Auckland base to deliver projects throughout NZ.
• Experience across dredging operations, port and marina structures, marine piling, seawalls, or other marine and civil construction projects would be highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and deliver marine construction projects from commencement through to completion.
• Define project scope, goals and deliverables during the pre‑contract phase.
• Support tender processes, including methodologies, estimating, productivity and pricing.
• Develop project programmes, schedules and resource requirements.
• Lead, support and manage project teams to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Manage project budgets, resources and timelines.
• Monitor project performance and report on progress, deliverables, risks and recovery plans where required.
• Manage project changes, variations, contractual matters and supplier negotiations.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure project HSE, environmental and quality requirements are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance against project and contract management plans.
• Drive high levels of client satisfaction through responsive and proactive project delivery.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Engineering/Construction degree

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.

Autonomy and variety in your day-to-day work

About Heron Construction

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, Heron Construction, a well-established, family-owned business operating in the dredging and marine construction sector across New Zealand and Australia.

Known for delivering high-quality dredging, marine piling and marine construction projects, Heron Construction prides itself on strong relationships, a supportive culture and a commitment to doing things right.

About the role

Heron Construction is looking for an experienced Project Manager to join their Operations Team. This is a hands‑on role responsible for the direction, coordination and delivery of assigned projects from planning through to completion. You will take ownership of project performance, ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard while meeting programme, budget and client expectations.

You will lead project teams, manage resources and commercial requirements, and build strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

Day to day, you will:

• Plan, coordinate and deliver marine construction projects from commencement through to completion
• Help define project scope, goals and deliverables during the pre‑contract phase
• Support tender processes, including methodologies, estimating, productivity and pricing
• Develop project programmes, schedules and resource requirements
• Lead, support and manage project teams to achieve successful project outcomes
• Manage project budgets, resources and timelines
• Monitor project performance and report on progress, deliverables, risks and recovery plans where required
• Manage project changes, variations, contractual matters and supplier negotiations
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders
• Ensure project HSE, environmental and quality requirements are implemented and maintained
• Monitor contract performance and compliance against project and contract management plans
• Drive high levels of client satisfaction through responsive and proactive project delivery

What we’re looking for

You will be an experienced Project Manager who is comfortable taking ownership of complex projects and leading teams in a practical, hands‑on environment.

You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction or a related discipline
• At least 10 years’ relevant industry experience
• At least 5 years’ experience at Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer level, with responsibility for delivering assigned projects or work scopes
• Strong project planning, budgeting and resource management capability
• Sound commercial and contractual awareness
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• The ability to build effective relationships with clients, suppliers and project stakeholders
• A positive, solutions‑focused attitude
• The ability to work autonomously and take ownership of project outcomes
• Availability to work outside Auckland base with requirements for national delivery
• Availability to work away from Auckland base to deliver projects throughout NZ
• Experience across dredging operations, port and marina structures, marine piling, seawalls, or other marine and civil construction projects would be highly advantageous.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a pre‑employment medical and drug test prior to commencing employment.