Surfacing Manager East Coast

Downer

Hawke's Bay

On-site

NZD 150,000 - 190,000

Full time

12 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Marram health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Samsung discounts

PB Tech discounts

Gym memberships

Employee referral bonus

Inspiring Leader's Programme

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Surfacing Manager to lead delivery across Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Tararua, shaping strategy, commercial performance and people development.

You will oversee chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing, build strong client partnerships and drive growth through a high-performing regional team. This role offers autonomy, accountability and the chance to influence the East Coast surfacing portfolio.

Qualifications

Experience leading large surfacing operations across regional networks.
Strong commercial and financial management skills including budgeting and forecasting.
Proven ability to build client relationships and drive growth.

Responsibilities

Lead the successful delivery of chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing programmes across the East Coast region.
Drive contract performance, profitability and project delivery outcomes.
Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
Identify and secure new business opportunities to support regional growth.
Lead, mentor and develop supervisors, forepersons and operational teams.
Manage project planning, budgeting and forecasting.
Lead a Zero Harm culture through visible leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Civil construction operations

Operational management

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

A rare leadership opportunity to influence strategy, drive growth and lead high performing surfacing teams.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
$500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
Progression and development programs on offer including our Inspiring Leader's Programme for top performers

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow a critical surfacing business across the East Coast, one of New Zealand's most diverse and high-profile regional networks.

As the Surfacing Manager, you'll have mandate to shape how surfacing is delivered across Hawke's Bay, Gisborne and Tararua, overseeing chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing projects while driving commercial performance, building client relationships and developing a high performing team. With a strong delivery team in place, there is a huge opportunity to grow and shape the surfacing business.

We're looking for someone who can bring strong operational leadership, commercial thinking and a genuine passion for developing people. You'll be equally comfortable leading project delivery on the ground as you are identifying new opportunities, strengthening client partnerships and helping grow the region's surfacing portfolio.

This is a role with real influence. You'll have the autonomy to make decisions, the backing of an experienced leadership team, and the opportunity to shape the future direction of the East Coast surfacing business.

Why the East Coast?

Not many leadership opportunities come with a lifestyle like this.

Based in Hawke's Bay, you'll enjoy one of New Zealand's sunniest regions, renowned for its beaches, wineries, cycling trails and relaxed pace of life. Whether you're looking to shorten the commute, spend more time outdoors or raise a family in a vibrant regional community. Hawke's Bay offers the perfect balance between career growth and quality of life.

This role sits at the centre of how we deliver safe, reliable and efficient transport outcomes for our communities. From planned maintenance and renewals through to growth opportunities, you'll play a key role in keeping the East Coast connected.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the successful delivery of chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing programmes across the East Coast region
Drive contract performance, profitability and project delivery outcomes
Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships
Identify and secure new business opportunities to support regional growth- Grow the regional surfacing pipeline through strong client relationships and market insight
Lead, mentor and develop supervisors, forepersons and operational teams
Manage project, planning, programming, budgeting and forecasting
Lead a strong Zero Harm culture through visible leadership and best practice.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

You'll be an experienced surfacing leader who brings together strong operational know-how, commercial discipline and the ability to inspire high-performing teams. This is a role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex delivery challenges, building trusted client relationships and leading work that makes a visible difference to the communities we serve.

You’ll bring:

Extensive experience within chipseal, asphalt, surfacing or wider civil construction operations
Proven experience leading crews, supervisors and operational teams
Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control
Experience managing contract and delivering projects safely, on time and within budget
Proven ability to build client relationships and identify new business opportunities
Tertiary qualification in Engineering or related field
Experience working within Alliance, maintenance or roading contract environments

What makes this role different