Project Engineer

About the Role

Higgins Wellington seeks a motivated Project Engineer to lead and oversee the delivery of civil construction and road maintenance projects throughout the Wellington area. This role offers the chance to spearhead project execution, provide technical guidance, and ensure high-quality outcomes across multiple infrastructure tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of construction and maintenance activities.
• Take full ownership of projects or workstreams from initial planning to completion.
• Manage short- and medium-term scheduling and daily site coordination efforts.
• Offer technical direction in engineering, quality assurance, and compliance processes.
• Supervise setting out, verification, and technical assurance operations.
• Administer quality systems, inspection and test plans, project documentation, and resolve non-conformances.
• Track project progress, assess risks, and implement corrective measures as necessary.
• Support commercial aspects such as claims management, cost tracking, forecasting, and variation handling.
• Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers to guarantee safe, efficient, and quality project delivery.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Promote and uphold health, safety, environmental, and quality standards on all worksites.
• Coach and mentor Site Engineers, Graduates, and other delivery staff.

Candidate Profile

• Proven background delivering civil construction, infrastructure, or road maintenance projects.
• Experience managing projects, workstreams, or discrete parts of work.
• Solid knowledge of construction methodologies and engineering fundamentals.
• Strong skills in planning, scheduling, and onsite coordination.
• Commercial acumen covering cost control, claims, variations, forecasting, and contracts.
• Competence in managing subcontractors and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership abilities, and relationship management.
• Capability to analyze problems, make informed decisions, and prioritize effectively.
• Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Construction, or related disciplines.
• Holding a full Class 1 driver’s license.
• Road maintenance operations experience is an advantage.
• Familiarity with AWM (RAMM) software and NZS3910 and NZS3917 contract standards is beneficial.

Why Join Higgins?

• Attractive and competitive salary package.
• Permanent full-time employment with guaranteed 40-hour workweeks.
• Employer KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%.
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities.
• Support available for gaining additional qualifications and licenses.
• Comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.
• Strong prospects for career growth within a leading New Zealand infrastructure company.

Additional Information

Higgins is dedicated to a drug-free workplace. Appointment is conditional upon passing pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and medical assessments. The company values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups, even if all criteria are not fully met. Early applications are encouraged as recruitment will proceed upon receiving suitable candidates and the company reserves the right to close the role without prior notice.

About Higgins

Higgins is a prominent New Zealand construction and infrastructure enterprise focused on building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other civil projects that connect communities. With a strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability, Higgins promotes teamwork, innovation, and ongoing development as key elements of its success.