Project Manager | Wastewater Infrastructure

Some projects are bigger than the job title. This is one of them.‍

We're looking for an experienced Project Manager or Senior Project Manager to take ownership of Stage 1 of a significant wastewater treatment plant upgrade in Hawke's Bay.

This is a defined project assignment through to May 2027, leading the construction of a new permanent outfall pump station within a live wastewater treatment plant.

Technically challenging, commercially important and definitely not a project where you'll be wondering what to do with your afternoon.

You'll lead the project team, manage programme and commercial performance, and take ownership of delivery through to successful completion.

‍About the Role

The project involves constructing a new permanent outfall pump station approximately six metres in diameter and nine metres deep, along with associated pipework and infrastructure.

Working within a live operational environment, you'll coordinate people, subcontractors, suppliers and construction interfaces while maintaining strong safety, environmental and quality standards.

You'll have ownership of the project, backed by an experienced delivery team and wider operational, engineering, commercial and HSEQ support.

In other words, plenty of responsibility — but you won't be left holding the plans on your own.

Working-away arrangements may be available for candidates based elsewhere, including accommodation, travel and a working-away allowance.

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‍What's In It For You

• Salary package of $170,000–$200,000
• Company vehicle
• Defined project through to May 2027
• Private health insurance after the qualifying period
• Support from an experienced project and specialist team
• A technically challenging and significant infrastructure project
• Working-away arrangements available for suitable candidates
• Potential opportunities on future projects across New Zealand

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead the project team and set clear delivery priorities
• Manage programme, budget, cost, quality and commercial outcomes
• Plan and coordinate work within a live operational environment
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers and construction interfaces
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders
• Manage project risks, variations and emerging issues
• Lead strong safety, environmental and quality performance
• Monitor progress and address issues early
• Keep project communication clear and effective
• Build a collaborative and accountable project team

What We RequireWe are open to appointing at either Project Manager or Senior Project Manager level, depending on the experience and leadership capability you bring. You'll ideally have:

• Proven experience delivering significant civil infrastructure projects in New Zealand
• Strong programme, commercial and financial management capability
• Experience managing subcontractors, variations and project reporting
• Strong knowledge of NZ construction contracts
• Experience with NZS 3910 or NZS 3916 is advantageous
• Experience with three waters, pump stations, pipelines or deep structures is highly regarded
• Exposure to complex concrete construction or mechanical interfaces
• Proven ability to lead site and project teams
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills
• Calm, practical judgement and a solutions-focused approach
• A visible commitment to safety, quality and environmental performance
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this
• Ability to pass a pre-employment Drug Test

Direct wastewater experience would be valuable, but it isn't essential. We're interested in capable project leaders who have successfully delivered comparable complex civil infrastructure work and can take control of a challenging project quickly. If you're coming to the end of your current assignment, working project-to-project, or looking for a significant piece of infrastructure to take ownership of, this could be a very good next move.

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‍Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.‍

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‍Why Choose Max People?
Max People is a trusted New Zealand 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.