IDC Operations Manager

We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our West Waikato State Highway Maintenance Contract team, based in Hamilton.

Reporting to the Contract Manager, you'll play a key leadership role overseeing day‑to‑day operational activities within a high‑performing Integrated Delivery Contract (IDC). This position is ideal for a motivated leader who can drive performance, support our teams, and help deliver safe, efficient outcomes on the state highway network.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the operational delivery of maintenance and inspection programmes, ensuring requirements are met and fostering a high‑performing, achievement‑focused team culture.
• Managing performance, coaching, and development of the Operations team.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with subcontractors.
• Ensuring health and safety is the top priority for all activities and team members.
• Actively leading discussions to sequence and prioritise the forward works programme and submitting candidate programmes and budgets to the principal for approval.
• Participating in contract management meetings and contributing to contract performance and improvement.
• Working with the Principal to confirm designs, identify constructability risks, and highlight opportunities to improve value for money.
• Working with the Quality Manager to ensure delivery meets final design specifications and collaborating with the principal to confirm quality outcomes and address any issues or opportunities.
• Communicating and engaging with partners and stakeholders at an operational level (e.g. site‑specific requirements, consents, detours, access, etc.).
• Providing accurate and timely information to support engagement and communication activities.
• Preparing monthly reports and ensuring contract KPIs and performance targets are met or exceeded.

What we need from you

• A strong safety and compliance focus.
• Extensive experience in civil construction and/or maintenance (ideally on State Highways).
• A professional approach, with solid contractual awareness, including negotiation skills and risk mitigation.
• The ability to plan, report, and justify monthly profit and loss, balance sheets, budgets, and prepare accurate forecasts.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
• A clear and confident leadership style, providing direction through clear work instructions and regular monitoring.
• A curious mindset - you ask questions, challenge constructively, and share ideas.
• A good sense of humour and a positive, team‑focused attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Flexibility around working hours and rostered on‑call requirements.
• The ability to relate to and work with a diverse range of people and working styles.
• Confidence using a range of technology and digital tools to manage operations and reporting.

To ensure our employees are well looked after, we offer a suite of benefits such as:

• Company vehicle provided in this position
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• KiwiSaver
• Fuel discount card
• Parental leave top up payment with additional return to work support
• Family scholarships
• Ongoing training and development, career growth and progression opportunities
• Great discounts at a wide range of retailers

If this sounds like you, do not delay! Apply now.