Construction Manager Adelaide

About the Company

Hickinbotham Group has been shaping South Australia for over 70 years. The business is now the state’s largest residential builder, its largest residential developer, and one of the most successful privately owned companies in the region. Its operations cover residential construction, land development, finance, and mortgage services, with a long-standing reputation built on strong values, financial stability, continuous improvement, and customer commitment. The company is working toward becoming Australia’s leanest residential construction business.

About the Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role created after the retirement of a long-serving Construction Manager who held the position for more than 21 years. The role offers a rare chance to take charge of a major construction operation, strengthen an already solid foundation, and influence the next stage of growth and improvement. It is a leadership role focused on transformation, not routine maintenance.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will oversee a large operational team responsible for delivering homes safely, efficiently, profitably, and to a consistently high standard of quality. You will work closely with supervisors and senior managers to improve performance across the entire construction function and help establish the business as a benchmark residential construction operation.

Key Focus Areas

• Shortening build times
• Improving productivity
• Cutting waste
• Reducing defects
• Enhancing planning and workflow
• Building the capability of future leaders
• Raising customer outcomes
• Strengthening overall operational excellence

About You

You should be a strong operational leader with a proven ability to guide large teams and deliver measurable performance gains. A commercial mindset, credibility with peers, and the ability to think strategically while staying close to execution are important. Experience in residential or commercial construction is welcome, but backgrounds in manufacturing, logistics, production, supply chain, or other large-scale operational environments will also be valued.

The ideal candidate will be able to lead and motivate people, build effective teams, improve productivity and cycle times, raise quality, hold others accountable, and foster a continuous improvement culture. Practical experience in construction, manufacturing, logistics, production systems, Lean environments, operational excellence, or continuous improvement will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Direct all construction operations across a large residential building business
• Lift productivity, throughput, and build speed
• Lead initiatives to improve quality and reduce defects
• Strengthen scheduling, planning, and workflow control
• Coach and develop supervisors, construction leaders, and operational staff
• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and proven systems
• Spot operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions
• Improve communication, accountability, and performance oversight
• Promote ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the function
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Hickinbotham Production System

Why Join Hickinbotham

• Join a family-owned business with more than 70 years of history
• Work for a market leader in residential construction
• Be part of significant land development activities
• Benefit from strong financial backing
• Contribute to a business with a long-term strategic outlook
• Work closely with decision makers
• Join a culture that values innovation and improvement
• Have the chance to make a meaningful and lasting impact

Remuneration

An attractive executive pay package will be negotiated with the selected candidate and will reflect both the significance of the role and the calibre of the person appointed.

Applications

All applications will be handled in strict confidence. Candidates who are outstanding operational leaders with the drive, energy, and ambition to help build Australia’s leanest residential construction company are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

The company notes that it is South Australia’s Number One Residential Builder for 21 consecutive years.

The role offers direct access to decision makers.

The successful candidate will help shape the future of one of Australia’s most successful residential building businesses.