Site Manager - Construction

About Simplicity Living

Simplicity Living is New Zealand’s leading Build-to-Rent developer, backed by Simplicity KiwiSaver. We design, build, own and manage high-quality long-term rental homes across New Zealand.

Our construction model is based on a repeatable production system. Key dates and trade sequences are planned well ahead, giving the team clarity on what needs to happen and when. That means less time reacting and more time improving how we build from one floor to the next.

Safety and quality come first. Productivity comes from better planning, reducing waste and continually improving the process, not cutting corners.

We’ve delivered 507 homes in Auckland, with another 748 underway. Queenstown is our first South Island project and will see us deliver more than 1,000 long-term rental homes in Lower Shotover.

We’re building our Queenstown team early and are keen to start talking now with experienced Site Managers interested in joining us in 2027.

The role

This is a hands-on site leadership role. You’ll work closely with the Project Manager and take primary responsibility for a building, major work stage or zone within the wider development.

Our Site Managers spend 80% of their time out where the work is happening – keeping trades flowing, planning ahead, maintaining standards and dealing with issues early.

You’ll have clear ownership of programme progress, daily coordination, safety, quality, subcontractor performance and relationships within your part of the build. You’ll also be trusted to make practical decisions on site to keep things moving, with the backing of the wider team when you need it.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading daily site activity and keeping work on programme
• Sequencing trades and tasks to minimise downtime and clashes
• Planning ahead so work areas, materials and resources are ready when needed
• Building strong relationships with subcontractors and setting clear expectations
• Identifying risks, delays and inefficiencies early and getting them resolved
• Maintaining a safe, tidy and well-organised site
• Holding quality throughout the build, including QA checks and inspections
• Keeping site records, logistics and follow-up organised
• Looking for better ways to work and carrying those improvements into the next floor or stage

Who we’re looking for

You’ll have at least three years’ experience as a Site Manager or in a similar construction leadership role.

We’re looking for someone with strong practical construction knowledge – someone who understands how a build comes together, knows what good looks like on site and is comfortable coordinating multiple trades and work fronts.

You’ll have strong programme and sequencing awareness, good H&S and QA habits, be comfortable reading civil, services and structural drawings, and be organised with logistics, documentation and follow-through.

We’re a relatively small, close-knit construction team, so how you work with people matters. We want someone calm, capable and pragmatic. Someone subcontractors respect, teammates enjoy working with, and who helps create a friendly, productive site.

We value people who raise issues early, give clear direction, are open to other ideas and are always looking for a safer, simpler or better way to do things.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You do need good judgement, the confidence to make a call and the humility to ask when you’re unsure.

What we offer

• Up to 10% employer KiwiSaver contribution after six months
• A supportive, experienced team with a flat structure
• Real ownership and autonomy in how you run your part of the build
• The opportunity to help establish our South Island programme and deliver more than 1,000 long-term rental homes in Queenstown