Senior Site Manager

About Us

Founded in Dunedin in 2005, Cook Brothers Construction has grown significantly over the past 20 years. From our origins in Otago, we have expanded to establish regional offices in Queenstown, Wānaka, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland regions.

We believe in celebrating our achievements, recognising the hard work and dedication that have driven our success. Our team and our projects stand as a testament to this commitment. Our approach is to inspire rather than manage. We trust our teams to make the best decisions for Cook Brothers Construction, granting them the freedom to act in the company's best interest.

Our pursuit of innovation, quality, client satisfaction, sustainability, and health and safety drives us to be a national leader in the construction industry. We believe our team is the cornerstone of this ambition.

About the role

Reporting to the Construction Manager/Regional Manager, the Senior Site Manager is responsible for leading site operations and construction teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. Working closely with Project Managers, clients, consultants, and trade partners, you will provide hands-on leadership, drive site performance, and foster a positive team culture aligned with Cook Brothers Construction's values.

Duties

• Lead and coordinate site teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners.
• Manage day-to-day site activities, sequencing works to achieve programme milestones.
• Lead toolbox talks, site meetings, and Last Planner sessions.
• Monitor quality standards, inspection test plans (ITPs), and project compliance requirements.
• Oversee health and safety performance, promoting Above the Line behaviours and Zero Harm principles.
• Manage site documentation including RFIs, site diaries, compliance records, and programme updates.
• Coordinate labour, materials, equipment, and resources in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and variations, and provide regular project updates.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants, architects, engineers, and council inspectors.
• Coach and mentor site teams to deliver high-quality workmanship and project outcomes.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 6 years' building experience post qualification.
• Licensed Building Practitioner and Gold Card (required).
• Proven experience leading construction site teams and managing subcontractors.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, drawings, specifications, and NZ building requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects safely, on time, and to a high standard of quality.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing site programmes, costs, and project documentation.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capability with the ability to build high-performing teams.
• Sound financial awareness and ability to contribute to profitable project outcomes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Outlook, Word, Excel, and construction management systems including Procore and Lentune.
• Strong knowledge of the Building Act, Construction Contracts Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, NZ Standards, and Last Planner methodology.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Opportunities to work on exciting, complex, and award‑winning projects
• Career development and professional growth supported by a high‑performing team
• A positive, collaborative workplace culture
• Work/life balance and the lifestyle benefits of living in some beautiful places
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to EAP services
• Social events, team activities, and a genuinely supportive environment
• Exposure to landmark commercial developments across New Zealand
• A company that values innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence

Why you should apply:

This is a great opportunity if you're looking for a role where you can lead from the front, mentor and develop site teams, and play a key role in delivering high-quality projects safely, on time, and on budget.

You'll be working on meaningful, high-profile projects in one of the most stunning parts of the country, alongside a team that values strong leadership, quality craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Please note we are not accepting applications from Recruitment Agencies for this role