Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.

Taitara Mahi - Cost Manager
Permanent Full-Time

Hastings District Council is delivering a major capital works programme over the next decade—driven by growth, resilience, and recovery following Cyclone Gabrielle. We’re looking for a sharp, proactive Cost Manager to ensure our infrastructure projects are financially sound, well-managed, and delivering maximum value for our community.

This role is all about early cost certainty and financial control. You’ll work closely with project managers, finance, procurement, and the wider Infrastructure Group to track budgets, forecast costs, and report on financial performance throughout the construction lifecycle.

As a trusted advisor, you’ll build local pricing knowledge, understand market dynamics, and ensure public funds are used responsibly and efficiently. You’ll play a key role in financial management, cost planning, project controls, reporting, and continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives on detail, collaboration, and making a real impact. If you’re ready to help shape a best-in-practice Programme Delivery Office and support the delivery of high-quality infrastructure—this is your opportunity.

Ōu wheako – about you
To be successful in this role you will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Construct Management, Construction Economics, Engineering or a related field is preferred.
• Membership with either NZIQS (New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors) OR RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

You’re a detail-driven professional with 3–5 years’ experience in quantity surveying, cost management, or construction finance. You know your way around NZS3910 contracts, tendering processes, and construction law, and you’re confident managing budgets from feasibility through to final account.

You bring a strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and NZ building codes, backed by sharp analytical thinking and solid project management skills. You’re proficient with tools like CostX, Buildsoft, Excel, and MS Project, and you know how to turn data into insights that drive smarter decisions.

You’re a clear communicator and skilled negotiator—able to build strong relationships with contractors, consultants, suppliers, and internal teams. You thrive in a collaborative environment, think strategically, and always look for ways to improve systems and processes.

Above all, you’re customer-focused, accountable, and committed to delivering infrastructure that’s financially sound, community-focused, and built to last.

This role is part of the Infrastructure Group. The Group includes 3 Waters, Transportation, a Delivery Office and a professional services panel of consultants.

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?