Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Construction Operations Manager to join our Transport & Infrastructure team in Whanganui. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of civil construction projects across the region.

The role supports the Regional Construction Manager in shaping and executing the Manawatū–Whanganui regional construction strategy while leading operational teams to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to manage complex infrastructure projects while building strong relationships with stakeholders and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the operational delivery of construction projects across the Manawatū‑Whanganui Region.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
• Drive best-practice construction delivery across all operational activities.

Strategic Alignment

• Support the development and execution of the regional construction strategy.
• Align operational delivery with long-term business goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, performance, and project outcomes.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team including:
  • Contract Managers
  • Engineers
  • Site Supervisors
  • Frontline construction teams
• Mentor, coach, and develop team capability to build a high-performing workforce.

Project Delivery & Tendering

• Oversee tendering, planning, estimating, and execution of complex civil infrastructure projects.
• Ensure projects follow governance, operational, and contractual standards.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Local authorities
  • NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
  • Subcontractors
  • Suppliers
  • Internal stakeholders
• Act as a key contact for regional project partners.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and champion a Zero Harm safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Maintain adherence to industry regulations and company policies.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience in civil construction or infrastructure project management
• Proven leadership experience managing large operational teams
• Strong background in transport, infrastructure, or civil works projects
• Demonstrated success in project delivery, tendering, and contract management
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Strong commercial and financial management capability
• Knowledge of New Zealand construction and infrastructure standards

Key Skills

• Construction operations management
• Strategic leadership
• Civil infrastructure project delivery
• Contract and commercial management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Team leadership and workforce development
• Health, safety, and environmental compliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does a Construction Operations Manager do?

A Construction Operations Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of construction projects, ensuring they meet safety, quality, and budget requirements.

2. What type of projects will this role manage?

Projects mainly involve transport and infrastructure construction, such as roads, highways, and public infrastructure.

3. Who does this role report to?

The position works closely with and supports the Regional Construction Manager.