About the opportunity

Lead the South. Own the Outcome.

Rebel Recruitment is partnering with a Tier 1 civil contractor seeking a proven Construction Divisional Manager to lead operations across Canterbury and Otago.

This is a senior leadership role overseeing a diverse portfolio of:

• Major roading projects

• Wind farm infrastructure

• Large-scale land development works

You will carry full divisional accountability — operational performance, client relationships, commercial outcomes, and strategic growth.

This is not just about delivery.

It’s about leadership, influence, and building a high-performing regional business.

The Role

You will:

Operational Leadership

• Lead all construction delivery across Canterbury and Otago

• Oversee Project Managers and senior operational leaders

• Drive programme certainty, cost control, and margin performance

• Ensure safety, quality, and environmental standards remain uncompromised

• Embed a culture of accountability and high performance

Commercial & Growth

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key clients (NZTA/Waka Kotahi, local councils, private developers, renewable energy clients)

• Identify and secure new business opportunities across both regions

• Support tenders and strategic bids

• Drive forward work pipeline visibility

• Protect and grow divisional profitability

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Be the trusted face of the business in the South Island

• Build long-term partnerships across public and private sectors

• Manage complex stakeholder environments with professionalism and credibility

What we’re looking for:

• 15+ years’ experience in civil infrastructure delivery

• Proven leadership experience at a senior operational level

• Strong background in roading, renewables (wind), and land development

• Experience within Tier 1 or large Tier 2 contractor environments

• Commercially astute with strong P&L understanding

• Established client relationships across Canterbury and Otago

• Demonstrated ability to win work and build pipeline

• Calm, respected leader who can influence across all levels

You’ll be someone who:

• Understands that culture drives performance

• Builds loyalty within teams

• Has the credibility to sit across the table from major clients

• Can see both today’s operational risks and tomorrow’s opportunities

Why This Role?

• Genuine divisional ownership

• Strong regional project pipeline

• Opportunity to shape South Island growth strategy

• Executive-level remuneration aligned to impact

• Influence across major civil infrastructure markets

The Type of Leader Who Will Thrive

You don’t hide in head office.

You’re visible.

You’re commercial.

You knowthemarket.

You know the people.

You know how to win.

And when projects get tough — you lean in.

Apply

Confidential enquiries and CVs to:
info@rebelrecruitment.co.nz