Lead Engineer – Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning

Role Overview

The significance of water in maintaining global health is unparalleled. With increasing events like floods, droughts, and storms, it is vital for the water industry to enhance resilience and proactively lead mitigation efforts. Join a diverse and dynamic team of water experts committed to fostering change and improving community outcomes through sustainable water solutions. Leverage our vast global expertise and decades of experience to positively impact ecosystems and communities.

Position Summary

We invite a Lead Engineer specializing in Water Infrastructure Strategic Planning to become part of our New Zealand and Pacific water division, primarily based in Auckland with options for Christchurch, Wellington, or other company offices. This is a strategic role focused on guiding the planning, financing, and implementation of water infrastructure amidst climate pressures, regulatory reforms, and evolving community needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive comprehensive infrastructure strategies for stormwater, water supply, and/or wastewater systems.
• Shape early-stage projects including business cases, program development, and investment prioritization.
• Establish and nurture long-term client relationships, positioning the company as a preferred partner.
• Collaborate with international teams to deliver cohesive solutions spanning planning to execution.
• Contribute to expanding market presence by uncovering and developing fresh opportunities within the water sector.
• Provide mentoring and leadership to elevate team capabilities and performance.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum of 15 years' experience in water infrastructure planning and strategic advising; hands-on project delivery experience is advantageous.
• Demonstrated influence on infrastructure investment decisions and planning processes.
• Proficient systems thinker balancing technical, environmental, and economic factors.
• Experience engaging with senior representatives from councils, utilities, or government bodies.
• In-depth knowledge of New Zealand's water sector and its reform context.
• Strong commercial acumen with skills in opportunity development and client relationship management.
• Exceptional communication skills capable of conveying complex information clearly.

Additional Details

This role emphasizes upstream involvement in infrastructure projects, enabling the engineer to shape strategic decisions impacting long-term outcomes. The company fosters a hybrid work culture encouraging collaboration with three days weekly office presence. Diversity and inclusion are core values, and applications from individuals across all backgrounds are welcomed. Agency submissions are not considered at this stage.

About the Company

We are a global professional services group excelling in engineering, architecture, and construction. Being employee-owned with over 11,000 skilled professionals in 200+ offices worldwide, our focus is aligning expertise with urgent global needs such as sustainable water, energy, and urban development. Our commitment drives us to empower our people and partners to make meaningful and lasting positive environmental and social impacts.