Civil Leading Hand | South Island Projects

About The Role

Lead from the front. Build something specialist. See more of the South Island while you're at it.

Max People are recruiting on behalf of a respected specialist civil contractor for an experienced Civil Leading Hand to deliver underground fuel infrastructure projects across the South Island.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll lead a small crew while remaining actively involved on site. You'll coordinate daily activities, manage plant and labour, work alongside operators and labourers, and make sure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

You'll be working on specialist commercial and industrial infrastructure projects, giving you the opportunity to broaden your experience beyond traditional civil construction.

For the right person, this is more than just another Leading Hand role. It's a genuine opportunity to step into a long-term position with a clear pathway towards Site Management.

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‍What's In It For You

• $40–$46 per hour, depending on experience
• Weekly pay
• Christchurch-based with travel throughout the South Island
• Travel and accommodation provided
• Away-from-home allowances
• Long-term career opportunity
• Specialist infrastructure projects
• Supportive, experienced team environment
• Career progression into Site Management
• Ongoing training and development
• Variety across commercial and industrial sites

What You Will Be Doing

• Leading daily site operations and coordinating crew activities
• Supervising operators and labourers
• Coordinating plant, labour, materials, and deliveries
• Conducting toolbox meetings and pre-starts
• Reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications
• Completing QA documentation and site records
• Coordinating subcontractors and site deliveries
• Monitoring quality, productivity, and programme
• Maintaining strong health and safety standards
• Mentoring and supporting junior team members
• Liaising with Project Managers and other site stakeholders
• Working hands-on alongside the crew when required

What We Require

• Previous Civil Leading Hand experience
• Minimum 5 years' civil construction experience
• Strong drainage or underground services background
• WTR endorsement
• Minimum Class 2 NZ Driver Licence
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Organised, proactive, and confident approach
• Ability to lead from the front while remaining hands-on
• Strong health and safety awareness
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test

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Roster: This role operates on a two-week South Island roster. Typically, you'll leave Christchurch on Monday morning and return home on the Friday at the end of your second week, with the middle Sunday off. Travel, accommodation, and away allowances are all provided while working away.

If you're an experienced Civil Leading Hand ready to take the next step, lead specialist infrastructure projects, and build towards a Site Management career, we'd like to hear from you.

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‍ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND‍

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‍Why Choose Max People?

‍Max People is a trusted recruitment partner with 15+ years' experience connecting great people with great workplaces. What started in construction has grown into one of the country's leading labour-hire and recruitment providers across construction, civil, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics.

When you join Max People, you're backed by a team that lives its values: Passion, Empathy, Optimism, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Empowerment. We're here to support your journey, champion your growth, and help you build a future you're excited about.