Technical Director - Building Structures

About the role

AECOM’s Buildings + Places team works with clients to influence the future of the built environment through distinctive, high-complexity projects across New Zealand and internationally. This opportunity sits within a global organisation of more than 50,000 specialists across planning, design, engineering, science, digital innovation, program and construction management.

As Technical Director – Structures, you will steer the direction of AECOM’s structural engineering capability and help deliver some of New Zealand’s most challenging and visible projects. The role combines technical authority, strategic leadership, client engagement, and business growth support.

Key responsibilities

• Set the technical direction for the Structures practice and maintain strong standards for quality and governance.
• Guide delivery of complex, multidisciplinary assignments and drive outcomes that are accurate and effective the first time.
• Serve as a senior reviewer and dependable technical advisor on major projects.
• Promote innovation, digital engineering approaches, and more efficient delivery methods.
• Coach and develop senior engineers to strengthen technical capability across the team.
• Develop and deepen strategic client relationships while contributing to work-winning and business development efforts.
• Help define technical solutions, project scope, and persuasive proposals.
• Work collaboratively with teams across New Zealand, Australia, and AECOM’s global network to achieve high-quality results.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering.
• CPEng status, or the ability to obtain it.
• More than 20 years of experience in structural engineering consultancy.
• Strong history of leading complex structural assignments and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven capability in technical leadership, quality oversight, and mentoring.
• Commercial awareness with success in building client relationships and winning work.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Exposure to digital engineering and contemporary delivery methods.

Preferred experience

Experience in healthcare and aviation projects is particularly valued. Background on mission-critical projects is also considered a strong advantage. Candidates who do not meet every requirement are still encouraged to apply and will be considered.

Benefits and additional information

• Flexible working arrangements, including alternative start and finish times plus hybrid options.
• Option to buy up to 6 extra weeks of annual leave each year.
• Volunteer leave and representation leave.
• Flex public holidays, allowing you to swap Easter or other holidays for dates that suit you better.
• Comprehensive benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability cover, paid time off, leaves of absence, voluntary benefits, flexible work options, well-being support, employee assistance programme, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan, depending on employment status.

Equal opportunity and hiring process

Applications from people of all backgrounds are welcome, including candidates with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and neurodiverse conditions. If you need adjustments during the hiring process, support can be provided.

Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the role may close earlier than expected. To be considered, candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.

New starters are required to complete an in-person Day 1 onboarding session at an AECOM office as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader focused on building a better world. Its teams help clients solve complex challenges across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings through advisory, planning, design, engineering, and program and construction management services. The company is a Fortune 500 organisation with revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025.

Work culture

You will join a collaborative global team that supports growth, learning, and career ambition. The organisation promotes respect, community, technical excellence, and a pioneering mindset, with access to leading technology and major projects that create real-world impact.