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.

All successful candidates must under-go and pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen.

We celebrate and embrace diversity across our business and are committed to equal employment opportunities.

We believe in the value that diversity brings to our team and people who share our REAL values are encouraged to apply.