Senior Project Manager

RobLawMax Recruitment; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RobLawMax Recruitment is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead civil and structural projects across the region, shaping future growth from the Napier area. You’ll mentor engineers and site teams, manage multi-project delivery, and influence tendering and planning strategies.

The role suits an experienced NZ civil contractor professional with a Civil Engineering degree and 10+ years’ delivering complex infrastructure, with NZS3910 contract knowledge and a hands-on leadership style.

Qualifications

• Civil Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• 10+ years' experience delivering civil infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing structural works such as bridges, retaining structures, marine works, heavy concrete, or similar complex projects.
• Sound knowledge of NZS3910 contracts and commercial project management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and build strong client relationships.
• Experience using project management and planning software such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar.
• Practical leadership style and willingness to remain close to project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of civil and structural projects from award through to completion.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, commercial performance, and client relationships.
• Oversee project teams including Project Engineers, Site Managers, supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Drive strong health, safety, quality, and environmental outcomes across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with NZS3910 and other relevant contract frameworks.
• Contribute to tender reviews, methodology development, risk management, and project planning.
• Mentor and develop emerging project management and engineering staff.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Team mentoring

Project planning

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Planning software

Job description

This is an opportunity to step into a genuine leadership role within a well-established civil contractor entering an exciting phase of growth.

With the current senior leader planning for retirement, the business is looking to bring experienced project management capability into the leadership team. This is more than just another project management role role — it's an opportunity to be more than a number, you will influence how the business grows, mentor emerging talent, and help shape the future direction of the regional office.

The business delivers a range of civil and structural projects throughout the region, with a particular focus on complex structural works.

The Opportunity

As Senior Project Manager, you'll take ownership of the successful delivery of multiple projects while providing leadership across the wider operations team. You'll be equally comfortable leading major structural projects, supporting tender and planning activities, and providing guidance to Project Engineers and Site Managers.

You'll work closely with the senior team, who are in the head office which is not in Napier.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of civil and structural projects from award through to completion.
• Manage project programmes, budgets, commercial performance, and client relationships.
• Oversee project teams including Project Engineers, Site Managers, supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Drive strong health, safety, quality, and environmental outcomes across all projects.
• Ensure compliance with NZS3910 and other relevant contract frameworks.
• Contribute to tender reviews, methodology development, risk management, and project planning.
• Mentor and develop emerging project management and engineering staff.

About You

We're interested in speaking with experienced Project Managers or Senior Project Managers who have built their careers within New Zealand civil contracting environments.

You will likely bring:

• A Civil Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• 10+ years' experience delivering civil infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience managing structural works such as bridges, retaining structures, marine works, heavy concrete, or similar complex infrastructure projects.
• Sound working knowledge of NZS3910 contracts and commercial project management.
• Proven ability to lead teams and build strong client relationships.
• Experience using project management and planning software such as MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar.
• A practical leadership style and willingness to remain close to project delivery.

What's on Offer

• Senior leadership opportunity within a growing business.
• Clear succession pathway as an existing senior leader plans for retirement.
• Opportunity to influence business strategy, systems, and future growth.
• Diverse civil and structural project portfolio.
• Supportive, down-to-earth team environment.
• Long-term career stability with a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work.

If you're an experienced civil Project Manager looking for an opportunity to play a bigger role in the future of a business, we'd welcome a confidential discussion.