Contract Manager

Lead Major Civil & Water Infrastructure Projects with SouthRoads.

Competitive salary + company vehicle + benefits + relocation assistance available

Are you an experienced Civil Contract Manager who enjoys leading people, building strong client relationships and delivering high-quality infrastructure projects?

SouthRoads is looking for a motivated leader to join our Oamaru team and oversee a diverse portfolio of civil construction, water infrastructure and traffic management projects across North and East Otago.

This is an outstanding opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with one of the South Island's leading civil contractors, backed by the strength of the HW Richardson Group.

About SouthRoads

SouthRoads delivers civil construction, road maintenance, three waters infrastructure, traffic management and infrastructure development projects throughout the lower South Island. With more than 300 employees and over 650 pieces of specialist equipment, we're proud to deliver projects that make a lasting difference to the communities where we live and work.

About the Role

Based in Oamaru and reporting to the Branch Manager, you'll lead an experienced team delivering a wide variety of civil works, including:

• Three Waters renewals and maintenance projects
• Civil construction and land development
• Road rehabilitation and maintenance
• Drainage and water infrastructure works
• Traffic management operations

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll be responsible for the successful delivery of projects from tender through to completion. You'll build strong client relationships, lead and develop your team, oversee budgets and project performance, and ensure every project is delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced leader with excellent operational and commercial skills who enjoys developing people and building long-term client relationships.

You'll ideally bring:

• Significant experience managing civil construction or infrastructure contracts.
• Strong knowledge of water infrastructure, Three Waters or water facilities operations.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate, coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, project costing and contract administration.
• Experience tendering, quoting and managing client relationships.
• A commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• A tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering (or similar) is highly regarded.

Why Join SouthRoads?

This is more than just another Contract Manager role. It's an opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people and provides the autonomy to lead projects that have a real impact across the region.

We offer:

• Company vehicle
• Fully subsidised health insurance after 12 months
• Ongoing training and career development
• Employee discounts
• Staff referral programme
• Long service recognition
• Relocation assistance for the right candidate

How to apply

To apply for this job go to: https://hwrcareers.co.nz/Vacancies/6915527/title/Contract-Manager

Applications close 23 Aug 2026

If you're ready to join a respected organisation with an excellent reputation and a supportive leadership team, we'd love to hear from you.

SouthRoads is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to complete a pre-employment medical and drug screening.