Project Manager - Passive Fire Protection

Cake Commercial Services is a premier subcontractor specializing in Passive Fire, Intumescent, and Protective Coatings. We are known for our operational excellence and commercial discipline, delivering exceptional outcomes on some of New Zealand’s most challenging construction and infrastructure projects.
We are seeking a driven Project Manager to join our Lower North Island team. This is a pivotal role for a leader who can bridge the gap between site execution and commercial success.
Purpose of Role
Responsible for the end-to-end delivery of passive fire projects within commercial and industrial environments. This role integrates operational leadership, commercial oversight, and client management to ensure all projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in strict accordance with quality and compliance standards.
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Industry Expertise: Proven experience within the passive fire protection industry is essential, with strong technical knowledge of passive fire systems, compliance requirements, and quality assurance processes. Previous experience in a site management, supervisory or project management role is highly desirable.
Leadership & Coordination: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and coordinate subcontractors and client stakeholders to balance operational delivery with commercial outcomes.
Commercial Acumen: Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and variations; experience in pricing, estimating, or tendering is highly advantageous.
Technical Proficiency: Skilled in project management platforms such as Aconex, Procore, CONQA, Workbench, or similar systems.
Professional Attributes: A safety-conscious, results-driven problem solver with strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking abilities.
Collaborative Approach: An independent self-starter and team player committed to continuous improvement and collaborative success.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Commercial Leadership
Lead passive fire projects from award to completion, ensuring delivery within budget, scope, and programme while maximizing profitability*
Manage commercial performance, including labour/material costs, productivity forecasting, and the documentation and recovery of variations.
Develop competitive estimates and quotations by reviewing documentation, measuring quantities, and selecting appropriate systems.
Drive pipeline growth by identifying new opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships.
Act as the primary point of contact for clients and consultants to resolve design, access, and technical issues.
Manage project close-out, including the resolution of defects and final commercial completion*
Operational Execution & Resourcing
Direct site teams through daily planning, technical guidance, and hands-on support to ensure correct installation methods and upskilling.
Manage resourcing plans, including labour allocation, timesheet approvals, plant, equipment, and procurement of materials.
Develop short-term lookahead programmes aligned with client schedules.
Coordinate staff start-ups, inductions, and ongoing performance reviews.
Oversee project administration, including RFIs, document control, and the use of internal job management platforms.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Ensure all works comply with approved systems, manufacturer specifications, and company SOPs.
Manage the end-to-end QA process, ensuring ITPs, checklists, and workflows (e.g., Clarinspect) are complete and audit ready.
Identify non-standard penetrations early and coordinate solutions with fire engineers and suppliers
Drive a proactive H&S culture by leading toolbox meetings, conducting incident investigations, and closing out OFIs.
Conduct regular site audits and quality reviews to ensure total compliance with project requirements.
If you have a deep understanding of Passive Fire Protection and a track record of delivering projects safely, on time, and on budget, we want to hear from you.
In return, you can be sure of:
A highly competitive salary package (includes base salary, vehicle for work and personal use). A mobile phone and laptop are also provided.
Comprehensive training, ongoing professional development and supervision
A fantastic opportunity to further develop your career and our services in an exciting and highly rewarding field of work
About Cake Commercial Services:
We are extremely focused on the key areas of Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment. We place a great deal of emphasis on developing our people through continual training and promoting our Company Values of:
Encouraging personal growth
Being safety leaders
Being the best at what we do
Showing mutual respect for everyone
Enjoying our jobs and doing an honest day’s work
Please visit our website for further information www.cakegroup.co.nz
Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa and be already living in New Zealand.
NO OVERSEAS CANDIDATES thank you.
If you think you fit the bill, are up for the challenge, have a clean full driver’s license and are drug and alcohol free, please apply now, attaching your CV, copies of relevant qualifications AND a Cover letter.
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY.
NO AGENCIES thank you.

Employment type
Full Time - NZ

Work arrangement
No