Pre Construction Project Manager

Penny Homes is a successful award winning residential & commercial developer with operations in Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and other regions of the North Island. They undertake a variety of construction projects and they are committed to excellence in customer service and quality workmanship, with a strong focus on safety and professionalism.

About the Role
We’re looking for a sharp, proactive, and strategic Preconstruction Project Manager to join the Penny Homes development team – someone who’s not just ticking boxes, but who thrives in that high-impact early phase where feasibility meets delivery. This role is ideal for a construction/development professional who wants to work closely with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in shaping what projects we do – and how we do them.
You’ll be involved from the very first conversations and feasibilities, right through design, consent, tender, and civil works – helping bring together project vision, design practicality, and commercial performance.
  
Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and project set-up from feasibility through to design coordination, consenting, procurement, and ECI phases.
• Reporting to the Commercial & Development Manager to vet opportunities, run feasibilities, and strategically shape how projects are structured.
• Coordinate with consultants (engineers, planners, surveyors, architects) to align design deliverables with time, cost, and quality targets.
• Run design and value engineering processes, including early contractor involvement to reduce risk and increase buildability.
• Oversee civil works delivery from contractor engagement to certification (incl. 224c) and title delivery.
• Serve as the principal’s representative during design and civil phases – managing stakeholder relationships, ensuring smooth site operations, and keeping accountability tight.
• Mitigate early-stage risks across development and civil projects, including planning, compliance, and timeline challenges.
• Hand over to construction team with full project documentation, clear scopes, and aligned budgets.

  
Projects You’ll Be Involved In
  

• Commercial buildings (design & build)
• Land development projects (consent to title)
• Council or JV housing developments (incl. affordable housing quotas)
• Tender-based opportunities that require feasibility, design management and value-engineered delivery structures

  
Who We’re Looking For

• 5–7+ years' experience in construction, civil, or development project management
• Strong knowledge of NZ council planning processes, subdivision, consenting, and EPA
• Experience with design management, consultant coordination, and procurement
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills – able to lead meetings and drive accountability
• A hands-on approach – not afraid to jump on-site, make calls, and make things happen to keep the programme on track
• Proficiency with NZS contracts – especially NZS3910, 3915, or 3916
• Confident with civil delivery oversight, including liaising with certifying consultants
• Comfortable navigating both strategic project setup and operational delivery phases

  
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Property, or Engineering highly desirable.

To be considered for this role you must have a NZ residence visa or citizenship  coupled with NZ experience. 

If you feel you hit the mark please apply or contact Paddy on 0274 99 66 43

Harper Smith Recruitment Ltd is a technical recruitment company specialising in the search, selection & recruitment of professionals within Construction & Engineering.