Contract Manager

Role overview

Higgins is seeking a Contract Manager to take ownership of one of its major maintenance contracts in North Waikato. This role covers an annual programme valued at $25–26 million and supports a 1,200 km road network.

The contract is in its second year within a possible 10-year arrangement, giving the successful person the chance to guide a well-established operation while also helping define what comes next. Working alongside Waikato District Council, you will provide strategic, commercial and day-to-day operational leadership to achieve strong outcomes for the network and the communities it serves.

The programme stretches across Tuakau, Pokeno, Huntly and Te Kauwhata and includes routine maintenance, renewals, unsealed road grading and emergency response work. You will lead a capable team, lift performance, strengthen stakeholder connections and support the long-term success of the contract.

Key responsibilities

• Direct contract delivery while maintaining performance and profitability.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, stakeholders and subcontractors.
• Improve commercial results through sound financial control and risk oversight.
• Guide the operations, renewals and support teams to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Manage governance, reporting and ongoing improvement activities.
• Promote high standards of safety, quality and customer service.

What you need to bring

• Substantial experience managing large road maintenance contracts.
• A qualification in Civil Engineering, Asset Management or a closely related discipline.
• A strong working knowledge of contract management and asset management principles.
• Proven commercial capability, including budgeting, forecasting and risk management.
• The ability to build credible relationships with clients, teams and delivery partners.
• A collaborative leadership approach with strong communication and decision-making skills.

What’s on offer

• A senior leadership position with a place on Higgins’ Regional Leadership Team.
• The opportunity to oversee a programme worth more than $25 million a year and a 1,200 km network.
• A chance to influence the direction of a contract still in its early stage of a potential 10-year term.
• Autonomy to lead, supported by Higgins’ national expertise and VINCI’s global capability.
• Opportunities to develop your career into future regional and wider business leadership roles.
• A competitive remuneration package, plus relocation support and matched KiwiSaver contributions of up to 4%.

Additional information

Higgins is part of VINCI Construction and offers the chance to contribute to essential infrastructure that keeps North Waikato communities connected. The organisation emphasises long-term opportunity, strong support and meaningful impact.

The company is looking to move quickly on this appointment, so early applications are encouraged. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the advertisement may be withdrawn before the stated closing date.

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua.

Terms and conditions

This is a full-time onsite role based in Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.