Senior Site Manager

About the Company

Leighs Construction is a New Zealand-owned and operated builder with more than 30 years of experience delivering quality outcomes for clients, employees, and communities. The company is known for an inclusive culture and a strong portfolio of landmark work across New Zealand, the wider Pacific, and Antarctica, with a goal of creating durable, safe structures that leave a lasting legacy.

About the Project

This opportunity places you on one of New Zealand’s most important and technically challenging construction projects currently underway. The broader programme sits within a Public Private Partnership model, bringing together construction, engineering, and service delivery partners to create long-term national infrastructure.

The role will begin in Christchurch in an office-based capacity and is expected to move to a site-based position in Templeton in the final quarter of the year. The facility is a major piece of infrastructure designed for round-the-clock operation, with tightly controlled environments, complex integrated systems, and demanding long-term performance standards.

About the Role

As Senior Site Manager, you will report to the Senior Project Manager and take ownership of the day-to-day running of site operations. You will act as the connection between project leadership and site teams, directing and supervising staff and subcontractors to ensure all works are completed safely, to a high standard, and in line with programme requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide, support, and develop site personnel while encouraging accountability, communication, and strong performance across the team.
• Prepare short-term work plans and schedules, share them clearly with staff and subcontractors, and monitor delivery against programme targets.
• Oversee the quality management system on site, making sure work follows approved drawings, specifications, and procedures, and pausing work when quality or safety is at risk.
• Coordinate site logistics, materials, and internal goods flow, including purchase approvals within delegated authority.
• Track site costs, including labour and materials, manage cost coding, and escalate any major budget variance to the Project Manager.
• Champion health, safety, environment, and sustainability outcomes by identifying risks early and managing them proactively across the site.

What We’re Looking For

You should be an experienced construction site leader with strong knowledge of New Zealand building requirements, solid commercial judgement, and the ability to manage multiple disciplines under pressure. Attention to detail, commitment to quality, and the confidence to communicate effectively with everyone from tradespeople to consultants are essential.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Trade qualification as a carpenter, or comparable practical experience.
• At least 12 years of experience in site supervision or site management, including leadership on large-scale projects.
• Good understanding of construction-related engineering principles across structural, mechanical, electrical, seismic, fire, and civil disciplines.
• Proven ability to plan, schedule, and manage project programmes, budgets, and resources while meeting time and cost targets.
• Experience applying structured quality assurance and quality control systems.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, plus confidence using construction software such as MS Project.

What We Offer

Leighs offers the chance to join a stable, privately owned business that values growth, wellbeing, and development. The company promotes a culture of working safely, returning home safely, and thriving at work. You will be part of a committed team working on a project that will help shape New Zealand’s future.

Additional Information

Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa to be considered. A pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening, is required, along with a criminal history check through the Ministry of Justice. The company is running a full recruitment process for this vacancy and is not accepting agency referrals.