Leading Hand

About the Role: Leading Hand, Wānaka

As Cook Brothers Construction continues to grow across the region, we are seeking an experienced Leading Hand to join our team in beautiful Wānaka.

This hands-on leadership role is central to setting high standards on site. Working closely with our Site Managers, Build Team, and Foreman, you will ensure every project is delivered safely on time, and on budget. You will lead by example, supporting your team on the tools while fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Acting as a key link between Trade Partners, Site Management, and the Build Team, you will ensure clear communication, effective delegation, and smooth project delivery from start to finish, always taking a proactive, solution-focused approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

About You

Great projects start with great people. We are an innovative, forward-thinking construction company that values professional growth, fosters collaboration, and encourages career progression. Your ideas are welcomed, your independence is respected, and your development is supported every step of the way.

We are seeking a driven, proactive individual who wants to make a meaningful impact through continuous improvement and strong leadership. You will see your teammates as key contributors to shared success, fostering a collaborative environment and tackling on-site challenges together.

To excel in this role, you will hold a recognised New Zealand or Australian Carpentry qualification and possess solid commercial construction experience, underpinned by strong structural knowledge. Previous leadership experience in the construction industry is essential, along with a passion for mentoring others and celebrating team achievements. Excellent communication skills, confidence in constructive conversations, and solid IT proficiency—particularly in the Microsoft Office suite—are required.

A proactive approach to health and safety leadership is essential. Experience with high-end residential projects or holding an LBP qualification will be highly regarded.

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 a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive, high-performing construction team. If you are ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values its people - apply now!

At Cook Brothers Construction, your health, safety, and wellbeing are our top priority. Before starting with us, you’ll need to complete and pass 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