Project Manager - Preconstruction

RobLawMax Recruitment; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Career progression

Professional development

Job summary

RobLawMax Recruitment is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Project Manager to lead projects from early development through planning, design, procurement and readiness for construction.

You will work with clients, consultants, contractors and key stakeholders to ensure strategic planning, commercial viability and robust preconstruction delivery across commercial, infrastructure and public sector developments. This role offers significant project ownership and career progression.

Qualifications

• Experience in Project Management or Preconstruction roles.
• Experience across commercial, property, infrastructure, development, or construction projects.
• Strong understanding of planning, design management, procurement, and consultant coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple stakeholders and project teams.
• Knowledge of consenting, approvals, and statutory processes within New Zealand.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of programme, cost, and risk management.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work proactively, solve problems, and influence positive project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and preconstruction activities from project inception.
• Develop briefs, programmes, budgets, risk registers, and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate and manage consultants throughout the design process.
• Oversee procurement strategies, consultant appointments, and tender processes.
• Manage design programmes and ensure project milestones are met.
• Facilitate consenting and statutory approval processes.
• Monitor scope, programme, risks and budget performance.
• Build stakeholder relationships and provide proactive project leadership.

Skills

Project management

Preconstruction

Stakeholder management

Budget & cost control

Risk management

Communication

Planning & design management

Education

Construction/Engineering/Property degree

Project Management qualification

Job description

The Company

Our client is a highly respected project management and advisory consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering complex developments across the commercial, infrastructure, public sector, and property markets. Known for providing strategic leadership and trusted advice, they partner with clients to shape, organise, and deliver projects that create lasting value for communities, businesses, and stakeholders. With a collaborative culture, strong leadership team, and impressive project portfolio, this is an organisation where talented professionals are empowered to make a real impact while building long-term careers.

The Position

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Preconstruction Project Manager to take ownership of projects from the earliest stages of development through planning, design, procurement, and construction readiness. Working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and key stakeholders, you will lead project teams through the preconstruction phase, ensuring projects are strategically planned, commercially sound, and set up for successful delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading project planning and preconstruction activities from project inception.
• Developing project briefs, programmes, budgets, risk registers, and governance frameworks.
• Coordinating and managing consultants throughout the design process.
• Overseeing procurement strategies, consultant appointments, and contractor tender processes.
• Managing design programmes and ensuring project milestones are achieved.
• Facilitating consenting and statutory approval processes.
• Monitoring scope, programme, risks, and budget performance.
• Building strong stakeholder relationships while providing proactive project leadership and advice.
• Supporting projects through transition into delivery and construction phases.

Skills and Experience Required

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience in a Project Management or Preconstruction Project Management role.
• Experience working across commercial, property, infrastructure, development, or construction projects.
• Strong understanding of project planning, design management, procurement, and consultant coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple stakeholders and project teams.
• Knowledge of consenting, approvals, and statutory processes within New Zealand.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of programme, cost, and risk management.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work proactively, solve problems, and influence positive project outcomes.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Construction, Engineering, Property, Project Management, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline.

What's in it for You?

• Join a highly regarded consultancy with an outstanding industry reputation.
• Work on landmark and complex projects that shape communities and infrastructure.
• Be part of a values-driven and collaborative team environment.
• Enjoy significant client exposure and project ownership.
• Access ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Work alongside experienced industry leaders and technical specialists.
• Competitive remuneration package and long-term career stability.
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact from project inception through to successful delivery.

This role is ideally suited to professionals who thrive in the early stages of projects and can confidently manage stakeholders, consultants, risk, programme, budgets, and project strategy before construction commences. Whether your background comes from consultancy, client-side project management, development, engineering, or construction, your preconstruction expertise will be highly valued.