Region Manager

Higgins; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Higgins Waikato region is seeking an experienced operations leader to drive regional performance across road maintenance, surfacing, civil construction and infrastructure delivery. You will balance safety, people, and commercial outcomes while leading a multi-disciplinary team.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will own regional P&L, translate strategy into plans, build client relationships, and champion health, safety and environmental excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in roading, civil construction, or infrastructure.
• Proven P&L accountability at regional level.
• Ability to set direction and deliver through others.
• Strong client relationships, winning work, and growth drive.
• Commitment to health, safety, quality and environmental excellence.
• Tertiary qualification in civil engineering, business, or related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver regional P&L performance including revenue growth, margin, cost control and cash outcomes.
• Translate strategy into clear regional plans and deliver agreed performance targets.
• Provide visible, values-led leadership across a multi-disciplinary operation.
• Lead a strong safety, quality, and risk management culture.
• Drive performance across maintenance, construction, and surfacing operations while identifying growth opportunities.
• Maintain and strengthen client, iwi, partner, and stakeholder relationships.
• Build leadership capability, succession, and workforce engagement.
• Optimise utilisation of plant, asphalt, and operational resources.

Skills

Leadership

P&L accountability

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Change management

Health & safety

Education

Civil engineering (desirable)

Job description

Reporting to the General Manager - Higgins, this role is responsible for the overall performance of the Waikato region, delivering sustainable and profitable outcomes aligned with Higgins' strategy.

The Waikato region is a significant contracting business spanning road maintenance, surfacing, civil construction, and infrastructure delivery. From North Waikato through to Taupōp, the region supports a diverse portfolio of work across state highways, local roads, and critical infrastructure projects. The role provides leadership across safety, people, operations, commercial performance, and customer relationships.

Key Accountabilities

• Own and deliver regional P&L performance, including revenue growth, margin, cost control, and cash outcomes.
• Translate strategy into clear regional plans and deliver agreed performance targets.
• Provide visible, values-led leadership across a multi-disciplinary operation.
• Lead a strong safety, quality, and risk management culture.
• Drive performance across maintenance, construction, and surfacing operations while identifying growth opportunities.
• Maintain and strengthen client, iwi, partner, and stakeholder relationships.
• Build leadership capability, succession, and workforce engagement.
• Optimise utilisation of plant, asphalt, and operational resources.

About You

You are a proven operational leader with experience balancing people, performance, and commercial outcomes in a civil infrastructure environment. You will bring:

• 10+ years' experience in roading, civil construction, or infrastructure.
• Demonstrated P&L accountability at a regional or business unit level.
• Proven ability to set direction and deliver results through others.
• Strong experience building client relationships, winning work, and driving growth.
• Credibility to lead through complexity and change.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental excellence.
• A tertiary qualification in civil engineering, business, or a related discipline is desirable.

Why Join Us?

Higgins is one of New Zealand's leading roading and civil infrastructure businesses, delivering projects and maintenance services that connect communities and keep New Zealand moving.

Waikato is a key Higgins region, offering a diverse portfolio of work, strong client relationships, and continued growth opportunities across maintenance, construction, and surfacing.

This is an opportunity to lead a significant regional business with genuine autonomy and accountability, backed by an experienced leadership team and a strong national organisation.