Senior Project Manager

Rob Law Max Recruitment; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

United Civil in Whangārei is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join its Whangārei operation and work directly alongside the Regional Manager and Executive team. You will oversee major civil projects and drive delivery, with autonomy across project performance and stakeholder relationships.

This long-term role offers a pathway to broader operational leadership in Northland, with involvement in tendering, pre-construction and growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• Proven delivery on $15M+ civil projects/contracts.
• Water infrastructure experience desirable.
• Strong commercial and financial management.
• Proven ability to lead project teams.
• Excellent client and stakeholder management.
• Understanding of programme, cost, risk, quality and H&S.
• Ambition for senior operational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of major civil construction projects and contracts valued at $15M+.
• Take full ownership of programme, commercial, financial, quality and H&S performance.
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Engineers and wider delivery teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and key stakeholders.
• Identify commercial opportunities, manage risk and drive project profitability.
• Work closely with the Regional Manager on business planning, resource management and operational performance.
• Contribute to tendering, pre-construction and business development opportunities.

Skills

Senior Project Manager

Project Manager

Water infrastructure

Stakeholder management

Financial management

Team leadership

Programme management

Cost management

Risk management

Quality management

H&S

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.

Ready to move beyond Project Management and into senior leadership?

This is an opportunity to join a New Zealand-owned civil construction business with an established reputation for delivering complex, high-value infrastructure projects across civil, water, transport and energy.

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join its Whangarei operation and work directly alongside the Regional Manager and Executive team.

This isn't simply another Senior PM role. The long-term opportunity is to develop into a broader operational leadership position and play a key role in the growth and performance of the business in Northland.

The Opportunity

As Senior Project Manager / 2IC, you will take responsibility for the successful delivery of major civil construction projects and contracts while becoming a key part of the regional leadership team.

You will have significant autonomy across project delivery, commercial performance, people leadership and stakeholder relationships, while working closely with the Regional Manager.

The role will suit an ambitious Senior Project Manager who is looking to work alongside the senior operations teams in the region.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the delivery of major civil construction projects and contracts valued at $15M+
• Take full ownership of programme, commercial, financial, quality and H&S performance
• Lead and develop Project Managers, Engineers and wider delivery teams
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and key stakeholders
• Identify commercial opportunities, manage risk and drive project profitability
• Work closely with the Regional Manager on business planning, resource management and operational performance
• Contribute to tendering, pre-construction and business development opportunities

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with boots on the ground attitude, who has already proven themselves delivering significant civil projects and is now ready to take on greater responsibility.

You'll ideally bring:

Strong experience as a Senior Project Manager or experienced Project Manager Contractor Side

• Proven delivery experience on $15M+ civil projects/contracts
• Water infrastructure experience is highly desirable
• Strong commercial and financial management capability
• Proven ability to lead project teams and develop people
• Excellent client and stakeholder management skills
• A strong understanding of programme, cost, risk, quality and H&S
• Commercial ambition and a genuine interest in progressing into senior operational leadership

Someone who doesn't just want to manage projects, but wants to become a key leader and ultimately take responsibility for a wider business operation.

Why United Civil?

Our client delivers some genuinely interesting and technically challenging infrastructure projects across New Zealand, with capability spanning water, transport, civil structures and energy. Recent projects include major water infrastructure, renewable energy and large-scale civil works.

You’ll be joining a business that places a strong emphasis on people, excellence, integrity, innovation and collaboration, with an experienced leadership team and a strong track record in delivering complex infrastructure.

What's In It For You?

• $180,000 – $200,000 package, depending on experience
• A genuine 2IC position reporting directly to the Regional Manager
• Clear progression towards Regional Manager / senior operational leadership

The opportunity to influence the direction and growth of the Northland business

• Exposure to major civil infrastructure projects
• Significant autonomy and responsibility
• The opportunity to lead and develop a high-performing team
• A business with a strong reputation and exciting project pipeline

A long-term career opportunity rather than simply another project management role

If you're currently a Senior Project Manager and feel you've reached the ceiling of your current role, this could be the opportunity to take the next step.