Senior Project Manager | Civil Infrastructure

Successful projects don't happen by accident. They need strong leadership, sound commercial judgement and someone who understands how projects are actually built.

This is much more than a project delivery role. You'll take ownership from tender handover through to successful completion, balancing commercial performance, programme delivery, client relationships and team leadership along the way.

You'll be joining our client's growing Wellington team, delivering complex infrastructure projects across the lower North Island. Current work includes the Carterton Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Upgrade and a major New Zealand Defence Force fire protection upgrade at Ohakea, with a strong pipeline continuing to build across the region.

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‍About the Role

‍You'll lead projects from the early handover stage through to completion, keeping a close eye on programme, cost, quality and commercial performance.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone equally comfortable reviewing contracts and forecasting costs as they are getting out on site, working alongside engineers and ensuring projects are delivered safely and properly.‍

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‍What's In It For You

• Competitive salary package
• Company vehicle
• Flexible and hybrid working where project commitments allow
• UniMed Health Insurance after 90 days, including pre-existing conditions
• Ongoing professional development and support towards industry accreditation
• Clear career pathways within a growing business
• Major and technically interesting infrastructure projects
• A collaborative team that values innovation and doing things properly

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead projects from tender handover through to completion
• Manage budgets, forecasting, cost control, variations and claims
• Administer contracts and protect the company's commercial position
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and stakeholders
• Manage subcontractors to achieve programme, quality and commercial outcomes
• Lead, mentor and develop Project Engineers, Site Engineers and site teams
• Drive a strong safety culture across all project activities
• Identify project risks early and develop practical solutions
• Spend time on site ensuring work is delivered safely and efficiently
• Support the continued growth and reputation of Seipp throughout the region

What We Require

‍You'll be an experienced project leader with a practical understanding of civil construction and the confidence to take ownership of complex projects.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Proven experience delivering complex civil infrastructure projects
• Strong commercial and financial management capability
• Excellent knowledge of NZ construction contracts and contract administration
• Experience managing subcontractors across multiple disciplines
• A practical understanding of construction, not just project management from behind a desk
• Strong planning, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building ability
• A collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in developing others
• Experience with concrete structures, drainage, mechanical installations or structural works would be advantageous
• Water and wastewater treatment, pump station or process infrastructure experience is beneficial, but not essential
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this
• Ability to pass a pre-employment Drug Test

If you're a capable Project Manager or Senior Project Manager looking for the opportunity to lead significant projects, develop people and make a genuine impact within a growing regional team, we'd like to hear from you.

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

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.