People & Capability Manager

About the role The Ōtaki to north of Levin – Te Pae o Tararua, Northern Alliance focuses on upgrading the transport link along State Highway 1 (SH1) between Ōtaki and North Levin to improve road safety, save lives, reduce congestion, enhance travel efficiency, and support regional economic growth. It is one of the Government’s Roads of National Significance and is being undertaken by two Alliances – the north (delivered by partners Fulton Hogan, HEB, WSP and Aurecon) and south (delivered by partners Downer, McConnell Dowell, Beca and Tonkin+Taylor). This exciting new four‑lane 24.8km highway project will dramatically improve safety and resilience, providing better access to walking and cycling facilities for those moving around or through the Horowhenua and Kāpiti districts. We’re looking for a People & Capability Manager to help shape this new project from the ground up. This will suit someone who enjoys a fast paced project environment where you’ll build on the good work already done, ensuring high performance teams are created at pace, rather than joining a mature, established business. This is a big role with real impact: partnering with senior leaders to continue to build the right team, the right culture, and the right environment for people to do their best work. This role needs someone who brings warmth, sound judgement, and a genuine care for people and their wellbeing. You’ll support the team to create a culture where high performance, trust, appreciation and care are the norm, and where people feel backed from day one. You’ll be trusted to lead people and capability strategy across the project, build on current systems and processes, support leaders, and help set the tone for how the team works together. Good Work here means building a place that is serious when it counts, human every day, and strong enough to continue to grow our culture that we are very proud of. Key role responsibilities Lead the people and capability plan for the project, including organisation design, workforce planning and working with the home organisations for recruitment. Partner with project leaders to continue the good work towards a high-performing, people-first culture with wellbeing at its heart. Develop and embed frameworks, plans and initiatives that lift engagement, teamwork, leadership capability and employee experience. Coach leaders and managers to create an environment of high trust, clear expectations and strong performance. Support HR operations, employee relations, compliance and community employment pathways across the project. Qualifications We’re looking for someone with significant experience in senior HR or people and capability roles, ideally in construction or another complex operational environment. A relevant tertiary qualification in HR, business or a related field. Strong emotional intelligence, the ability to build trust quickly, and a natural warmth with people. Proven experience building high-performing teams, coaching leaders and driving organisational development or change. Solid knowledge of NZ HR legislation, strong communication skills, and a practical, organised approach. Benefits KiwiSaver employer contributions Fuel discount card Parental leave top-up payment with additional return to work support Ongoing training and development, career growth and progression opportunities Great discounts at a wide range of retailers Medical insurance (an eligibility period applies) Life insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr