Join Our Team of Creative Problem Solvers!

Are you inspired to lead a business that transforms the built environment, enhances the safety of workers, and increases the efficiency of the construction industry, all while solving complex engineering challenges? Holmes Solutions is where creativity meets impact; we create industry value through world class testing, engineering and innovative design, with our global projects pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the construction sector.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Unit Leader for our Construction Sector to drive profitable growth across New Zealand, Australia and selected international markets. This role is commercial focused; you will own the go-to-market strategy, pipeline, pricing and negotiations that win multi-year programmes, whilst partnering with delivery leaders to exceed client expectations.

About the role 

Strategic Vision: You will articulate a concise vision for the future of the construction sector, one that anticipates industry and regulatory changes to drive us forward. Your role is to identify emerging market opportunities and to position us as first choice leaders within construction innovation. 

Empowering High-Performing Teams: You will act as a catalyst for team success, fostering a culture of innovation, commercial awareness, and accountability. You will champion cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that the team works as a cohesive unit to achieve shared goals.

Own the sector growth plan: market selection, value proposition, pricing strategy, and annual revenue targets.

Build and manage a qualified pipeline: create account plans, lead capture strategies, write compelling proposals and conclude deals. Whilst supporting your team to achieve the same.

Lead major sales: originate, pitch and close 6 to 7 figure agreements, including master services agreements and complex services contracts.

Negotiate commercially robust terms: scope, price, IP, liability, warranties and risk allocation that protect margin while enabling long-term partnership.

Direct marketing for demand creation: through leadership, case studies, events and campaigns that generate qualified opportunities.

Expand key accounts: upsell and cross-sell across testing, engineering and innovation services through relationship management.

Steer commercial performance: P&L ownership, forecasting, go, no-go discipline, win-loss reviews, and continuous pricing improvements.

Partner on delivery: ensure scope clarity, variation management and client satisfaction that leads to renewals and referrals.

Building relationships: Transform new relationships into long-term partnerships that grow in value over time

About you

As a senior leader within our business, you are a systems thinker who understands the business as an interconnected system and works to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Your leadership will not only guide the sector's direction but will also be instrumental in shaping the wider business. You have cultivated a strong network of industry relationships spanning New Zealand, Australia, and ideally other international markets, giving you a global perspective.

You excel at developing commercial models that reflect the true value we deliver while remaining competitive in a cost-sensitive industry. Your financial oversight will ensure that we invest strategically in capabilities that drive long-term growth while maintaining healthy margins.

The ideal person will demonstrate

• Ideally 10+ years of working in the construction industry, along with at least 5 years leadership experience 
• Understanding of construction methodologies, processes, and industry best practices
• Knowledge of building codes, standards, and compliance frameworks
• Experience with international construction markets, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, and other global markets
• Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills
• Problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and financial acumen
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and building high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred not essential

Why Join Holmes Solutions?

We're a close-knit team that champions innovation, knowledge-sharing, and work-life balance. Our global clients ask us to solve complex challenges that truly make a difference in the industry. We celebrate diversity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds because we believe in the power of varied perspectives to drive innovation.

We offer some great company benefits which are available to all employees:

• Free onsite parking
• Southern Cross Health Cover (for yourself and family)
• Team lunches, events and a great team culture!
• Kiwi Saver
• Free onsite gym with classes led by professionals within our team
• Life and wellbeing insurance
• Flexible working to suit your lifestyle and outside work commitments
• Coffee machine + a variety of tea, fresh fruit and snacks!
• Training & development support
• Christmas shutdown

Take Your Next Step With Us:

We are a NZ Accredited Visa Employer so if you are a NZ or Australian citizen or hold a valid work visa, and can demonstrate significant experience in business leadership and a passion for making things happen, we’d be keen to hear from you!