Project Manager

Project Manager - Manufacturing & Industrial Projects

Bay of Plenty | Supporting Projects Across the Central North Island

About Projects IQ Projects IQ is a New Zealand project delivery partner specialising in industrial, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and capital project environments. We work alongside some of New Zealand's most respected organisations to deliver projects that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational performance.
 
Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of manufacturing, industrial, and capital projects for our clients throughout the Central North Island.
 
This role is ideally suited to a project professional with experience delivering manufacturing plant upgrades, machine guarding projects, fabrication and mechanical installations, production line improvements, and facility expansion projects, including the construction of new buildings to accommodate plant and process upgrades.
 
The Opportunity You will be responsible for managing projects from concept through to commissioning, working closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, HSE, procurement, construction, and leadership teams.
 
Projects may include:

• Machine guarding and machinery safety improvement projects.
• Manufacturing plant upgrades and production line modifications.
• New process equipment installation and commissioning.
• Mechanical and fabrication projects.
• Brownfield modifications within operating facilities.
• Plant expansion and capacity improvement projects.
• Building extensions and new industrial facilities to house production equipment and manufacturing operations.
• Utility, services, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Contractor-led construction and installation projects.

This is a hands-on role requiring a strong understanding of operational manufacturing environments and the ability to successfully balance safety, production, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of assigned projects from initiation through to completion.
• Develop project scopes, business cases, budgets, programmes, and execution strategies.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including engineers, contractors, fabricators, suppliers, consultants, and construction partners.
• Manage project risks, issues, change management, and stakeholder expectations.
• Oversee procurement and contractor management activities.
• Deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.
• Build strong working relationships with site operations, maintenance, engineering, HSE, and asset management teams.
• Ensure effective communication and reporting to project sponsors and key stakeholders.
• Support commissioning, handover, and project close-out activities.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental, and site requirements.

About You You are a practical and delivery-focused Project Manager who understands both the technical and operational challenges of working within manufacturing and industrial environments.
 
You are equally comfortable discussing machine safety requirements on the plant floor as you are presenting project progress and investment outcomes to senior stakeholders.
 
Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years' project management experience delivering industrial, manufacturing, engineering, construction, or capital improvement projects.
• Proven success managing complex stakeholder and contractor relationships.
• Experience delivering manufacturing plant upgrades, mechanical installations, or production improvement projects.
• Strong understanding of project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to manage multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence.

Preferred Experience

• Mechanical Engineering degree, trade qualification, or related technical background.
• Experience with:
  • Machine guarding and machinery safety projects.
  • Manufacturing and processing facilities.
  • Fabrication and structural projects.
  • Brownfield plant modifications.
  • Production line upgrades.
  • Building extensions and new industrial facilities.
  • Capital projects ranging from $500k to $20M+.
  • Contractor and construction management.
  • Industrial shutdowns and commissioning activities.

Why Join Projects IQ?

• Deliver meaningful projects that improve safety, productivity, and operational performance.
• Work with some of New Zealand's most recognised industrial, manufacturing, and energy organisations.
• Be part of a growing specialist project delivery business.
• Gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple sectors.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career development.