Contract Manager

Description Higgins is seeking an experienced Contract Manager to lead Road Maintenance in Hawke's Bay. Based in Napier Branch, this is a key leadership role responsible for the successful commercial, operational, and people performance of the contract while driving safety, quality, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth.

If you're a commercially savvy leader with a strong background in roading, maintenance and civil infrastructure, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within one of New Zealand's leading infrastructure businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading all aspects of maintenance, including commercial performance, operational delivery, HSE, resourcing, and people leadership.
• Ensuring Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Operational Performance Measures (OPMs) are achieved.
• Developing and implementing Contract Plans that drive performance and continuous improvement.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, suppliers, and the wider community.
• Driving profitable growth in alignment with Higgins' strategy and values.
• Contributing to the success of the broader Higgins business through collaboration and leadership.
• Enhancing Higgins' reputation in the market while developing capability across the team.

About You

• 10+ years' experience in the roading, maintenance and civil infrastructure sector.
• Demonstrated success managing complex contracts or business operations within the civil construction industry.
• Strong commercial and financial management experience, including accountability for profit and loss performance.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate, support, and develop others.
• The ability to navigate changing commercial environments and implement practical, timely solutions.
• A proactive approach, strong business acumen, and a commitment to delivering results.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A proven commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing.
• A passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Why Join Higgins?

• Competitive salary between 155K-165K
• Permanent role between 40 and 50 hours per week
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Opportunities to upskill and gain further licences
• Great benefits for you and your whānau
• Z fuel discounts - including a free monthly pie and coffee

Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive hourly rate, subsidised medical insurance and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.

Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!

We're with you on the road ahead - Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.