Lead Civil Engineer - Transport

About the Company

SMEC is a global engineering design consultancy with operations in more than 40 countries, combining international expertise with local knowledge to create solutions suited to the needs of Australia and New Zealand. As part of SJ Group, it works with a network of over 16,000 specialists across engineering, planning, design, project management, and advisory services.

The company has a strong reputation for technical delivery and is recognised internationally, including ENR rankings of #24 among the Top 225 International Design Firms and #5 in Australia/Oceania. In New Zealand, SMEC has been established for 13+ years and is continuing to expand, creating opportunities for local and international career growth.

Its work spans transport, energy, water, and urban development across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Pacific, with increasing demand in resilient networks, sustainable mobility, and major city-shaping transport projects.

Role Overview

This senior position is for an experienced Lead Civil Engineer who will help deliver complex transport infrastructure projects across New Zealand. The role combines technical leadership, design management, mentoring, and client engagement, while also contributing to business development and future workload growth.

You will be part of a collaborative and inclusive environment that values technical excellence, professional development, and leadership, with opportunities to work on major projects and collaborate with global specialists.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct civil design and delivery for urban roads, rural highways, and wider transport infrastructure assignments.
• Provide technical oversight from early concept development through to detailed design.
• Coordinate and lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve integrated, high-quality, and timely project outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, and industry stakeholders to support project success and growth.
• Take part in, and help lead, proposals, commercial work, and project planning within a win-and-do delivery approach.
• Coach and support junior engineers to strengthen team capability.
• Use sound engineering judgement, innovation, and a strong quality focus to improve solutions and outcomes.
• Contribute to building SMEC’s civil engineering capability and pipeline in New Zealand.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of civil engineering experience, with a strong focus on transport infrastructure.
• A degree in Civil Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status in New Zealand, or the ability to secure it soon after joining.
• Proven ability to lead technical delivery and multidisciplinary design teams.
• Experience with public-sector transport work in urban road and/or rural highway environments.
• Strong client-facing, commercial, and consulting capability, including proposal writing and business development.
• Exposure to collaborative or alternative delivery models such as ECI, D&C, PPP, or alliance projects.
• A commitment to mentoring others and helping the team and business grow.
• Strong technical and commercial writing skills, plus awareness of the social, cultural, environmental, and regulatory factors influencing infrastructure projects.

Additional Information

SMEC highlights its global reach, technical strength, and local presence in New Zealand as a foundation for delivering tailored transport solutions. The company also emphasises its collaborative culture, access to global specialists, and opportunities to contribute to significant infrastructure work.

The organisation encourages applicants who may not meet every requirement but believe they can add value to apply. It also states a commitment to diversity, inclusion, career growth, recognition of individual contribution, and support through mentorship and sponsorship programmes.

Application Process

Applications must be completed online. For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, contact Carl Thiedeke at carl.thiedeke@smec.com.

SMEC asks that resumes are not sent directly to employees or managers, as unsolicited applications are not accepted and agency input is not required for this role.

About Surbana Jurong

Surbana Jurong describes its culture as one that combines talent, hard work, teamwork, and a positive workplace atmosphere to solve problems creatively and collaboratively.