Regional Manager - North Island

Leighs Construction is a leading force in New Zealand’s commercial construction landscape, known for delivering exceptional buildings that shape communities and create long-term value. With a proud legacy, national footprint, and bold vision for the future, Leighs continues to thrive on complex, high-value projects across sectors — and we're now seeking an accomplished leader to take our North Island operations to the next level.

We are looking for a Regional Manager – North Island who will drive the commercial, strategic, and operational performance of Leighs North Island business. This role is about more than managing – it’s about making things happen.

We’re seeking someone with the commercial sharpness, market insight, and relationship capital to proactively identify opportunities, influence key stakeholders, and secure profitable work that aligns with the Leighs strategy. Create momentum and unlock projects through early engagement, turning potential into pipeline.

More about the role:

This is a pivotal, high-impact role for a commercially astute and well-connected construction executive. You will be accountable for:

• Driving regional business growth through strategic business development, market intelligence, and active engagement with key clients, consultants, and influencers.
• Securing profitable work aligned with Leighs risk profile and market aspirations, using a combination of local market insight, early engagement strategy, and strong pitch capability.
• Leading and developing high-performing teams, fostering a strong, values-aligned culture of performance, safety, excellence, and innovation.
• Owning operational delivery, overseeing the successful execution of projects from bid to completion, and embedding commercial discipline across the business.
• Steering financial performance, ensuring robust forecasting, margin protection, risk management, and alignment with regional and national objectives.
• Contributing at an executive level to Leighs strategic decision-making, regional positioning, and long-term organisational growth.

Who Are We Looking For?

You are a proven rainmaker in the commercial construction industry with strong North Island market presence and an instinct for opportunity. You understand what it takes to lead in a competitive and fast-moving environment and can combine operational insight with commercial strategy to unlock growth.

About You: 

• 12-15+ years' industry experience, including significant leadership in complex, multi-project environments
• Deep networks and relationships with property investors/owners, consultants, and subcontractors in the North Island
• A track record of winning work and delivering successful, large-scale construction projects (typically $20m–$200m)
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing financial performance at a regional or business unit level
• Demonstrated leadership capability and cultural influence, with the ability to develop teams and uplift performance
• A passion for excellence, innovation, and community impact — aligned with Leighs values of Pride, Passion, and Excellence

Why Join Leighs?

As a proudly New Zealand-owned business, they blend innovation and tradition to deliver award-winning buildings and enduring partnerships. You will be part of a nationally respected company with the agility to make bold decisions, a flat structure that values input at every level, and a culture that champions people, purpose, and performance.

This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for a strategic construction leader who is ready to step up and shape the next phase of Leighs North Island success story.

Apply now via our professional recruitment partners careers portal: Assemble

To make direct contact you can reach Rachel McNickle on 027 274 6821 or rachel@assemblerecruit.com to discuss further.

All applications will be considered and processed by Assemble Recruitment only.