Construction Works Lead at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Canterbury (Waitaha) Key role in a $1B infrastructure project to enhance New Zealand's prison system. Lead construction activities in a dynamic, multi-year Public Private Partnership environment Fixed term until January 2026, Based in Christchurch. Possibility of extension. Nga kawenga |About the role The Department of Corrections has three interconnected organisational outcomes; to improve public safety, reduce reoffending and reduce the overrepresentation of Maori. Our ability to deliver on these outcomes is underpinned by the quality of our facilities and infrastructure – a critical enabler for success. The Department has done significant work in understanding its current asset base and planning for a safer and more fit-for-purpose network, with Christchurch Men's Prison (CMP) identified as the next strategically important site that requires investment and redevelopment.
Join an ambitious and exciting infrastructure programme led by the Department of Corrections. We are building an engaged and experienced team across all facets of a PPP Programme, including design, construction, commercial, procurement, finance and stakeholder engagement and communication. We are seeking an experienced, senior-level Construction Works Lead to manage and direct the construction function of this team reporting to the Programme Director. This is an opportunity at the beginning of a large complex programme, to help shape one of the main vertical asset construction programmes in the South Island.
This role is critical to ensuring the successful delivery of the programme outcomes, including the development and management of robust and streamlined construction strategies, tools, and processes. As the Construction Works Lead, you'll provide specialist construction leadership, strategic and tactical advice, including commercial contracting assistance.
The Construction Works Lead will ensure close collaboration with the commercial, procurement and design team leaders to drive value for money across the construction programme.
This role will be integral to the delivery of a range of complex high-risk projects to be delivered by the Department at Christchurch Men's Prison, as well as taking the lead on construction and maintenance and operations related elements of the new build, managed under a PPP, driving successful outcomes that meet project plan objectives.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive leader with extensive expertise in infrastructure and construction programmes. As the ideal candidate you will have a proven ability to lead projects, define requirements, and deliver them on time, within budget, and to high standards, while managing site investigations, procurement, and design interfaces.
We value a strong leadership presence, characterised by the ability to coach, mentor, and lead through influence. You will take a strategic view to the Programme's construction activities and use your knowledge of the construction sector to develop best for programme approaches. Additionally, experience with PPP procurement and ensuring delivery partners meet agreed specifications will be highly valued.
If this advert describes you, please read the job description and apply if you have the following:
Demonstrated experience successfully managing large scale, high risk and complex construction projects, with demonstratable understanding of construction techniques, design and building services. Good knowledge and understanding of and ability to work with the 391x suite of contracts as well as PPP. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical team members and stakeholders. Significant programme management experience in assets, property, or construction disciplines. Excellent interpersonal skills and proven negotiation experience, including the ability to influence and build consensus. The midpoint of the salary range is $202,140 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $171,819 - $242,568 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whanau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whanau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hokai Rangi.
It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whanau.
We welcome applications from disabled and neurodiverse communities, all cultures, faiths, and Rainbow communities, as we appreciate the richness of experience that diversity brings to our organisation. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage applicants to discuss reasonable accommodation with us if required at To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.
All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: unsolicited CVs will not be accepted, please do not contact the Hiring Manager directly, instead reach out to Employer: Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections)
Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.
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