Reactive & Priority Maintenance Manager

Reactive & Priority Maintenance Manager - Wellington Region

Help keep Wellington moving. Lead the team that responds when it matters most.

Higgins is looking for an experienced Reactive & Priority Maintenance Manager to lead our road maintenance response operations for Wellington City Council. This is a high impact leadership role where no two days look the same - perfect for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment, builds strong relationships, and knows how to get the best out of people.

• Leading reactive and priority road maintenance operations across the Wellington network
• Managing and developing maintenance crews, subcontractors, and delivery teams
• Building strong, trusted relationships with WCC, suppliers, partners, and stakeholders
• Overseeing tendering, planning, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial performance
• Ensuring all works meet safety, quality, environmental and contractual standards
• Coordinating responses to weather events, service requests, and after hours callouts
• Driving continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence
• Creating a high performing team culture built on trust, accountability, and safety

• 5–10 years’ experience in roading, civil maintenance, or asset management
• Proven leadership experience with field teams or operational crews
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Working knowledge of RAMM and an understanding of WCC operations (advantageous)
• A relevant civil engineering qualification (NZCE or equivalent)

• Lead a critical contract that directly impacts Wellington’s transport network
• Work with a supportive leadership team and a well resourced national business
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A culture that genuinely puts safety and people first
• Competitive salary + vehicle + benefit

Higgins is committed to a drug‑free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!

Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity