Project Manager
Tauranga, Full Time, Trades & Services
Please Quote Reference Number 17606
  • Ready to Lead Something Bigger?
  • Outgrown your current role?
  • Competitive remuneration package including vehicle

  • This is your opportunity to join one of the Bay of Plenty's most respected industrial electrical businesses and help shape the next stage of our growth.

    At John Ward Electrical, we don't do politics, silos, or big egos. We believe in high standards, straight talk, backing each other, and delivering exceptional results for our customers.

    If you're an experienced hands on leader who thrives on building great teams, improving systems, delivering projects, and making a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

    About John Ward Electrical

    Established in 1986, John Ward Electrical has built an outstanding reputation across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato for delivering high-quality industrial electrical, automation, refrigeration, and project solutions.

    Our team of industrial electricians, programmers, project managers, and technical specialists work with some of New Zealand's leading manufacturers, cool stores, packhouses, and processing facilities.

    As we continue to grow, we're looking for an exceptional Project Manager to help lead our people, projects, and operational performance.

    The Opportunity

    This is a senior leadership role with real influence across the business. You will work closely with our leadership team to ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on time, and to the high standards that our customers expect.

    Your responsibilities will include:
    • Leading operational delivery across industrial projects
    • Resource planning, labour utilisation, and scheduling
    • Supporting and mentoring site leaders
    • Improving systems, reporting, forecasting, and accountability
    • Ensuring projects achieve target margins and customer satisfaction
    • Building strong relationships with customers and internal teams
    • Driving continuous improvement initiatives
    • Helping develop future leaders within the business
    The Type of Work We Do

    Our team works across a diverse range of industrial environments, including:
    • Industrial electrical installations
    • PLC programming and automation systems
    • Cool stores and refrigeration facilities
    • Fruit grading and processing plants
    • Manufacturing and processing facilities
    • Motor control centres and VSD systems
    • Instrumentation and process control
    • Preventative maintenance programmes
    • Thermal imaging and condition monitoring
    • Energy optimisation projects
    • Industrial shutdowns and major upgrades
    No two days are ever the same.

    What We're Looking For

    The ideal candidate will have:
    • Proven leadership and people management experience
    • Strong operational and project delivery skills
    • Experience improving systems and processes
    • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
    • Commercial understanding of productivity, margins, and forecasting
    • High levels of ownership and accountability
    • The ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure
    • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
    Experience with SimPRO or similar management systems would be advantageous.

    Bonus Points If You Have:
    • Industrial electrical experience
    • Manufacturing or processing industry experience
    • Project management qualifications
    • Experience leading growing teams and businesses
    Why Join JWE?:
    • An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated based on experience.
    • Vehicle package included as part of the role.
    • Monthly BBQs, social events, and a genuine family atmosphere.
    • Real Leadership Opportunity
    • Your ideas will matter, and you'll help shape the future direction of the business.
    • We invest in our people and support continuous growth and learning.
    • Operating successfully since 1997, JWE has long-standing relationships with customers across the region and a strong pipeline of exciting industrial work.
    • High standards, low ego, and a team that genuinely enjoys working together.
    Our Values

    Do Better. Be Better. We continuously improve and never settle for average.

    One Team. We work together, support each other, and celebrate success together.

    Own It. We take responsibility, solve problems, and deliver on our commitments.

    People Matter. Our people, customers, and communities are at the centre of everything we do.

    Apply Now

    If you're ready for your next challenge and want to help build something meaningful with great people, we'd love to hear from you.

    Please apply with:
    • Your CV or LinkedIn profile
    • A short introduction about yourself
    • Why you believe you'd be a great fit for John Ward Electrical
    Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Life is about opportunities. Could this be yours?


    Please Quote Reference Number 17606

    Please Complete the Details in our Form Below

    (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf or .txt ONLY, 4MB max file size)







    Complete this Additional Questionnaire:

    (Q1) Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?

    (Q2) What drivers licence do you hold?

    (Q3) Are you a registered Electrician?



    (Q4) Do you hold a relevant project management qualification?

    (Q5) How many years experience do you have as a Project Manager or similar leadership role?

    (Q6) What is your hourly rate / salary expectation?

    Check for Confirmation HERE after you click SEND