Surfacing Manager East Coast

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:

• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes 
• Discounts for Samsung, PB Tech, Gym memberships and more!
• $500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
• Progression and development programs on offer including our Inspiring Leader’s Programme for top performers

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity 

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow a critical surfacing business across the East Coast, one of New Zealand’s most diverse and high-profile regional networks.

As the Surfacing Manager, you’ll have mandate to shape how surfacing is delivered across Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Tararua, overseeing chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing projects while driving commercial performance, building client relationships and developing a high performing team. With a strong delivery team in place, there is a huge opportunity to grow and shape the surfacing business.

We’re looking for someone who can bring strong operational leadership, commercial thinking and a genuine passion for developing people. You’ll be equally comfortable leading project delivery on the ground as you are identifying new opportunities, strengthening client partnerships and helping grow the region’s surfacing portfolio. 

This is a role with real influence. You’ll have the autonomy to make decisions, the backing of an experienced leadership team, and the opportunity to shape the future direction of the East Coast surfacing business. 

Why the East Coast? 

Not many leadership opportunities come with a lifestyle like this. 

Based in Hawke’s Bay, you’ll enjoy one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions, renowned for its beaches, wineries, cycling trails and relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re looking to shorten the commute, spend more time outdoors or raise a family in a vibrant regional community. Hawke’s Bay offers the perfect balance between career growth and quality of life. 

This role sits at the centre of how we deliver safe, reliable and efficient transport outcomes for our communities. From planned maintenance and renewals through to growth opportunities, you’ll play a key role in keeping the East Coast connected.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the successful delivery of chipseal, asphalt and minor surfacing programmes across the East Coast region
• Drive contract performance, profitability and project delivery outcomes 
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships 
• Identify and secure new business opportunities to support regional growth- Grow the regional surfacing pipeline through strong client relationships and market insight
• Lead, mentor and develop supervisors, forepersons and operational teams 
• Manage project, planning, programming, budgeting and forecasting 
• Lead a strong Zero Harm culture through visible leadership and best practice. 

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

You’ll be an experienced surfacing leader who brings together strong operational know-how, commercial discipline and the ability to inspire high-performing teams. This is a role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex delivery challenges, building trusted client relationships and leading work that makes a visible difference to the communities we serve.

You’ll bring: 

• Extensive experience within chipseal, asphalt, surfacing or wider civil construction operations 
• Proven experience leading crews, supervisors and operational teams 
• Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control 
• Experience managing contract and delivering projects safely, on time and within budget 
• Proven ability to build client relationships and identify new business opportunities
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering or related field 
• Experience working within Alliance, maintenance or roading contract environments 

What makes this role different:

• Genuine regional leadership responsibility
• Autonomy to influence strategy, delivery and growth
• A strong pipeline of surfacing work across multiple regions
• The backing of Downer’s national capability and local leadership team

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation 

Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site here!

Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application! The reference number for this role is 736174