Senior Site Manager

Leighs Construction is a New Zealand-owned and operated company that has been providing high-quality outcomes for our clients, staff, and communities for over 30 years, boasting an inclusive company culture and an iconic project portfolio throughout NZ, the wider Pacific, and the Antarctic. We plan on leaving a lasting legacy of innovative, safe structures for future generations to come.

We are looking for a Senior Site Manager to join our team, based in Christchurch.

About the project:
This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in one of New Zealand's most significant and technically demanding construction projects currently in delivery. The wider programme is being delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), a collaborative model bringing together leading construction, engineering, and service delivery organisations to deliver infrastructure that will serve New Zealand for generations.

Initially office-based in Christchurch, the role will transition to a site-based position in Templeton from the final quarter of this year, placing you at the heart of the action as the project moves into its critical delivery phase.

The facility itself is a landmark piece of national infrastructure, designed for continuous 24/7 operation, incorporating highly controlled environments, complex and integrated building systems, and stringent long-term asset performance requirements. It is the kind of project that defines careers.

About the role:
Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations on-site, acting as the bridge between the Project Manager and on-the-ground staff. You will direct, lead, and supervise site staff and subcontractors, leading a team of Site Supervisors, Leading Hands, Carpenters, and Operators to ensure trade works are carried out safely, to a high quality, and on programme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, coaching, and developing site staff, building team capability and fostering open dialogue, accountability, and strong performance.
• Carrying out short-term programming and planning of the works, communicating this effectively to staff and subcontractors, and supervising delivery in compliance with the programme.
• Overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the QMS on site, ensuring all works comply with approved plans, specifications, and procedures, with the authority to stop work where quality or safety standards are compromised.
• Managing site resources, logistics, and inward goods, including purchasing approvals within your delegated financial authority.
• Managing site cost controls, including labour and materials budgets, cost coding, and reporting any significant variance to the Project Manager.
• Driving health, safety, environment, and sustainability outcomes, proactively identifying and managing risk across the site.

You will be an experienced site leader with expert knowledge of NZ building construction requirements, sound commercial acumen, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams under pressure. You bring meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to high-quality workmanship, and the communication skills to engage everyone from trades to consultants.

Qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Qualified Carpenter or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years' experience in site supervisory or site management roles, including demonstrated experience supervising staff across large-scale projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles relevant to construction, including structural, mechanical, electrical, seismic, fire, and civil.
• Highly skilled in planning, scheduling, and managing construction programmes, budgets, and resources, with proven ability to deliver on time and within budget.
• Experience implementing and managing systematic quality assurance and control processes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with technical proficiency in construction software such as MS Project.

Joining Leighs means being part of a stable, privately-owned business that is passionate about growth and our people. We are committed to your development and wellbeing, ensuring you Work Safe, Home Safe, and Thrive at Leighs. You'll work with a passionate, proud, and dedicated team focused on making construction a better place, on a project that will shape New Zealand's future.

What now?
If you're interested in this role, click apply now and become part of our mission to shape a better future.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have New Zealand residency or hold a valid New Zealand work visa. All employees must complete a pre-employment medical check, including drug and alcohol testing, and undergo a criminal history check with the Ministry of Justice.

Please note, Leighs is conducting a comprehensive recruitment process for this position, and we are not considering agency referrals at this time.

Apply now

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