South Island Regional Manager

Hawkins Group; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in New Zealand is seeking a South Island Regional Manager to oversee operations and drive business growth. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years’ experience in various construction projects, proven leadership skills, and strong client relationship management abilities. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a passionate team focused on transformative projects and sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the construction industry.
• Proven track record of successful leadership.
• Strong mentoring and team development skills.
• In-depth knowledge of construction legislation.
• Demonstrated commercial and financial acumen.
• Respected presence in the market with strong networks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence using digital tools and construction technologies.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing high-performing teams across the South Island.
• Building and maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Driving new business development and market growth.
• Overseeing operational performance and project delivery.
• Managing financial performance and reporting.
• Leading health, safety, and environmental initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and governance.
• Contributing to strategic planning and execution.

Skills

Team development

Client relationship management

Business development

Operational performance oversight

Financial performance management

Health and safety leadership

Risk management

Strategic planning

Construction legislation knowledge

Digital tools and technology

Job description

South Island Regional Manager

At the top of your game and looking to build your career with a commercial constructor at the top of theirs? It's time to apply at Hawkins.

We are New Zealand's leading construction company, delivering some of the country's most iconic and complex projects. From airport terminals to office towers, university buildings to healthcare facilities, Hawkins is at the forefront of commercial construction.

We are seeking a South Island Regional Manager to join our team, based in Christchurch and reporting directly to Matthew Taylor, General Manager – Hawkins South.

As South Island Regional Manager, you will play a critical leadership role within Hawkins, overseeing all operational, financial, and client management functions across the South Island. Your focus will be on driving sustainable business growth, enhancing our market presence, and leading high-performing teams across a diverse portfolio of projects.

You’ll work closely with the broader South team - the Lower North Island and our parent company, Downer -fostering strong collaborative relationships and leveraging deep industry expertise and support.

This role calls for a hands-on leader who is equally confident engaging with subcontractors on site, presenting to clients, and contributing to strategic conversations at the executive level. You’ll be a natural motivator who leads with integrity, prioritises health and safety, and brings a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented mindset to every challenge.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing high-performing teams across the South Island
• Building and maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships
• Driving new business development and market growth
• Overseeing operational performance and project delivery
• Managing financial performance and reporting
• Leading health, safety, and environmental initiatives
• Ensuring compliance, risk management, and governance
• Contributing to strategic planning and execution

What you’ll bring to the role:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the construction industry, ideally across a range of project types and sectors
• A proven track record of successful leadership in senior operational roles
• Strong mentoring and team development capabilities
• In-depth knowledge of construction legislation and industry standards
• Demonstrated commercial and financial acumen
• A respected presence in the market with strong industry networks
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal
• Confidence using digital tools and construction technologies

This is a significant leadership opportunity for someone who can inspire teams, deliver results, and represent Hawkins with credibility and confidence across the South Island.

Why Join Hawkins?

At Hawkins, you’ll be part of a passionate, high-performing team that consistently delivers excellence. We offer the opportunity to grow your career with one of New Zealand’s most respected construction companies, working alongside industry leaders on transformative projects.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior leader ready to step into a leadership role. It offers both challenge and reward, and the chance to make a lasting impact.

For confidential enquiries please contact Alysha Bryan (National P&C Manager – Hawkins) on [e-mail] or 021 112 8197.