Leading Hand

About the Role: Leading Hand, Wānaka

As Cook Brothers Construction continues to grow in the region, we are seeking a hands-on Leading Hand to join our Wānaka Region. This is a leadership role for a skilled carpenter who takes pride in setting the standard on site, delivering high-quality projects, and growing both the team and their own career.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Build Team on site, setting high standards for workmanship, efficiency, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with Site Managers and Foremen to deliver projects on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and Trade Partners.
• Proactively identify and manage risks, driving solutions that keep projects on track.
• Serve as a key link between Trade Partners, Site Management, and the Build Team, ensuring clear communication and smooth delivery.
• Delegate effectively while motivating and developing the team throughout each project.

This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives on teamwork, values continuous growth, and is ready to make a tangible impact on Wānaka's construction projects.

About You

A driven, proactive professional who thrives on making a real impact through leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Values collaboration fosters a supportive environment and works closely with the team to address on-site challenges effectively.

Key Requirements

• Recognised Carpentry qualification in New Zealand or Australia.
• Strong experience in commercial construction with solid structural knowledge.
• Proven leadership experience within the construction industry.
• Passion for mentoring and developing team members, celebrating achievements.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence in managing constructive conversations.
• Proficient in IT, particularly the Microsoft Office suite.
• Proactive approach to health and safety leadership.
• LBP qualification is highly desirable.
• Must have full New Zealand Working Rights

Ideal for a professional who leads by example, values teamwork, and is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes while fostering a safe, positive, and productive work environment.

About Us

At Cook Brothers Construction, we back our teams to take ownership, make smart calls, and deliver with pride. Our strength lies in our people and their drive to continually raise the bar. This has led to a legacy of 20 years of dedication and teamwork. We value hard work, celebrate achievements, and take pride in the results we create and the connections we form.

From our Dunedin roots to growth across Auckland, Canterbury, Southern Lakes, Wānaka, and Otago, we’ve built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading construction firms.

Our foundations are clear: innovation, quality, sustainability, client satisfaction, health, safety and wellbeing.

If you’re looking to contribute to a company that values trust, collaboration, and growth, Cook Brothers is the place to be.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive, high-performing construction team at Cook Brothers Construction. Along with a competitive hourly rate and health insurance, you’ll enjoy an active social club and real opportunities to make an impact on meaningful projects.

If you are ready to drive results, connect people, and grow your career, apply now.

Candidates not currently based in Wānaka should confirm their willingness and timeframe to relocate in their cover letter.

At Cook Brothers Construction, health, safety, and wellbeing are our top priorities. All successful applicants must complete a pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing.

Please note, we are not accepting applications from external recruitment agencies for this role.

Please submit your application via Seek