Surfacing Foreman

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting an experienced Surfacing Foreman to lead our Nelson surfacing crew. This permanent position is ideal for a reliable, safety-focused leader who takes pride in delivering high-quality road surfacing and maintenance works. You will supervise and coordinate surfacing operations across the Nelson region, ensuring projects are delivered on time, to specification and to the highest standards of quality and safety. This is a hands-on role, and having the ability to roll your sleeves up, operate machinery is essential!

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead surfacing crews, including operators, labourers and subcontractors, providing clear direction and on‑the‑job coaching.

• Plan, schedule and coordinate surfacing activities such as reseals, chipseal, asphalt and other pavement treatments to meet project programmes and client requirements.

• Operate surfacing plant and equipment as required, including pavers, rollers, chip spreaders, broom/sweeper trucks and bitumen sprayers, and allocate plant resources efficiently.

• Ensure works are completed to specification and quality standards; carry out inspections, monitor material application and rectify issues promptly.

• Carry out and oversee routine plant checks, basic maintenance and cleaning; report and manage defects and coordinate repairs with maintenance teams.

• Prepare and maintain daily production records, timesheets, plant checklists and site documentation; report progress to site supervisors and project managers.

• Implement and enforce health, safety and environmental policies on site, lead toolbox talks, site inductions and participate in safety audits and incident investigations.

• Liaise professionally with clients, contractors, traffic management personnel and the public to maintain positive stakeholder relationships and minimise disruption.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience supervising surfacing crews or working as a senior operator on road surfacing projects (reseal, chipseal, asphalt).

• Competent in operating surfacing plant and associated equipment; relevant plant tickets and NZQA qualifications for surfacing plant operation are desirable.

• Strong understanding of pavement materials, application techniques and specification compliance for chipseal, reseal and asphalt works.

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate crews and drive performance while maintaining a positive safety culture.

• Good communication and organisational skills with experience preparing site records and liaising with clients and subcontractors.

• Knowledge of New Zealand health and safety legislation and safe work practices in road construction environments.

• New Zealand driver’s licence (Class 2 or higher advantageous) and legal right to work in New Zealand.

Benefits and Rewards – Careers in Civil Surfacing

• Permanent: Full-time, stable position based in Nelson with projects across the region.

• Competitive Package: Attractive hourly rate + vehicle + benefits including medical insurance.

• Supportive Team: Join an inclusive, safety-focused team that values wellbeing and collaboration.

• Development: Opportunities for ongoing training, upskilling and career progression within surfacing and civil construction.

• Impact: Contribute to durable, safe road infrastructure that supports local communities and transport networks.

Pre-employment and Eligibility

• All successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical assessment, which may include drug and alcohol screening.

• Reference and qualification checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.

• Candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a CV outlining your relevant experience or contact Sara Swailes - 027 4398724 for a confidential discussion about the role.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Please do not submit unsolicited applications for this position.